Baltimore pools close after season ends amid vandalism

Baltimore pool season partially marred by repeated vandalism, graffiti and fecal contamination Baltimore City's summer pool season comes to a close after a season partially marred by repeated vandalism. The Labor Day holiday marked the last day for swimming or enjoying the sun at Baltimore City's public pools. Advertisement "It's been very nice, calm, peaceful. Good times," said Tenira Hinton, of Baltimore. Some city residents said they have enjoyed several of the city pools over the summer. "I actually love the pool here. I've been coming here all summer for the past couple of years. (It's) absolutely wonderful," said Michael Berlin, of Baltimore. "I just enjoy the atmosphere that we have around here to just enjoy time out in the sun and then hop in the pool and cool off during the hot heat," said Giana Saunders, of Baltimore. Matthew Winter visited a city pool for the first time Monday. "I got invited and I just want to have some fun swimming. (I) haven't swum all summer," Winter said. But a portion of the season was marred by vandalism that closed some of the pools as crews made repairs. Baltimore police confirmed they received calls for trespassing and vandalism at city pools in as early as May and June. In July, vandals caused damage at the Towanda Rec Center leisure and lap pools after workers found trash and broken glass. Vandalism also closed the Walter P. Carter Pool and the Patterson Park Pool. At Patterson Park, vandals removed and disposed of multiple drain grates, and fecal contamination was found in the water. In August, the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks closed the Ambrose Kennedy Pool due to vandalism that included fecal matter found in the pool and graffiti at the facility. 11 TV Hill video below: Mayor speaks about pool vandalism (August) "It was unfortunate, but I have to say, we've done a good job with bringing the community together and not letting that affect what we do," Hinton said. "We still come out and we still have a good time. But it's unfortunate, and we have to do better with creating spaces for people to be able to spray paint and express themselves." Still, pool visitors on Monday didn't seem ready for the pools to close amid signs of summer ending. "I'm hurt with this good weather we've been having. Honestly, I think we can stay open a little bit longer, if we are being real, but I'm honestly really saddened to see the pool closed for the season," Hinton said. City pools close at 7 p.m. Monday.