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By Taylor Anthony
WKBW Niagara County Reporter
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — Niagara Falls families got a midweek surprise Tuesday when the city's splash pads opened outside of their usual Thursday through Sunday schedule.
The move came as temperatures climbed near-record highs, giving residents a much-needed chance to cool off.
For Constance Smith, a longtime resident and mother, the early-week opening was a welcome change.
“I wish that it were open Monday through Wednesday, just to help out other residents to stay cool all summer long,” Smith said.
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Typically, the city operates splash pads and pools from noon to 5 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, with staffing challenges as the main reason for the shortened schedule.
Niagara Falls City Councilman Brian Archie said Department of Public Works employees stepped in to make Tuesday’s opening possible.
While Archie acknowledged the challenge, especially for lifeguard positions, he said the budget season will be key to expanding access.
“We need to fully fund at least seven days of outside pool activity,” he said, noting that cooling spaces are important in densely built urban areas that trap heat.
The splash pads are open Wednesday through Sunday this week, along with other city-run pools under the regular Thursday through Sunday schedule.
