The pools havent been used since they closed for summer last year, said Frank Quintero, interim director of parks and community services.

As part of the city managers mandate to reduce 15 percent from department budgets, Quintero said the recreation and community services department looked at the return on investments dealing with pools and rentals. The pools also offered swim lessons, public swimming and rental options.

Quintero said the city spent $41,000 on its pools during an eight-week period last year, serving about 1,200 people. We need to be replacing pumps and filters, Quintero said. Simply put, we dont have the money to do that.

Damian Leon, Rosas uncle, said the pool closures mean kids will be sitting inside their houses and not swimming. The 15-year-old Mercedian said he visited the McNamara Park pool last year when it was open for limited summertime hours.

Gary Wright, 50, who visited McNamara Park on Friday afternoon, said the pools are a much-needed resource to stay cool, particularly with hot summer months ahead. They just need to open it up. Its getting in the hundreds. Its hot, he said. Ive been using hoses across the street and getting my Bible out of my pocket so it doesnt get wet. Just open the pool.

The pools help keep kids engaged in wholesome activities, Wright said, and away from the streets. Why take it out on the kids? The kids, theyre going to get into something. Kids have nothing to do to keep them busy, he explained.

Although many will likely be disappointed by the citys decision, Quintero pointed out other swimming options in the city, like Merced Colleges pool and the Millennium Sports Club, which offers swim lessons to nonmembers.

Some high school districts might also offer their pools for public laps in the mornings, said Mike Conway, city spokesman.

The recreation and community services department may consider a cost-effective option to convert the pool at McNamara Park into a splash pool, Quintero said, or a water feature that sprays water, during the next 18 months to two years. That way, he said, it could still provide a water recreation activity.

Reporter Ameera Butt can be reached at (209) 385-2477 or abutt@mercedsun-star.com.