Cheri Lindsey Park Patrons React to Pool Closure

7/10/2012 (Updated 7/11/2012 12:07:14 AM)

(Source: Suzanne Goldklang)

Tuesday evening the pool in Cheri Lindsey park remained shut, following the arrest of a 16-year-old girl for threatening a lifeguard Monday.

Binghamton Parks and Recreation director John Whalen says that a series of disturbances including the threats on the 4th of July and Monday evening were behind the decision to close until further notice.
 
He plans to meet Wednesday afternoon with the Binghamton Police Chief to discuss what needs to happen before the pool can be re-opened.

On Wednesday July 11, Summer Fun recreation programs will be allowed to use the pool, but the general public will not be allowed.

Tuesday evening people at the park seemed dismayed about the situation.

"It would be a sad thing for the community to lose it's access to the pool," said Colette Jung.

Benjamin Hall said," I don't think that's right. It's a public pool, everyone should be able to use that.

We asked 18-year-old Ryan Blanchette who was "scooting" in the skate park if there is anything teens like him can do to turn the situation around.

He says,"I feel like the 18-year-olds and 19-year-olds should set an example for the kids that are here and not do stupid things like swear...that would probably put a better example on their minds not to do it."

Earlier this month in Brooklyn, New York City had to place police at the newly renovated McCarren Park Pool after fighting broke out.

Whalen says he wants Binghamton officials to have a chance to get control of the situation at Cheri Lindsey Park before it deteriorates.

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