SPOKANE--A local swimming pool is once again battling a wave of crime. In the past few years, Liberty Pool on Spokane's lower South Hill experienced assaults and vandalism. City staff says the problem quieted down until recently.
Just a month ago we did a story on how crime significantly dropped at Liberty Pool over the past year. City officials said it was because of renovations, and a higher admission price.
New numbers show crime is picking back up once again.
Two years ago teens were causing major problems at the pool. Lifeguards were being pushed and thrown off chairs. Vandals were even keying cars out front. It was so bad police were brought in to keep things under control.
Earlier this summer staff noticed a huge drop in crime. Then a few weeks ago it started up again.
Park officials say this time; young boys ages 10-14 are causing problems. A recent police report shows repeated calls for minor assaults and trespassing.
To some parents, the surge in crime is cause for concern, but others aren’t letting it spoil their summer.
Staff says there haven’t been any reported vandalisms at this point. Parks Department officials say they had a meeting this week to determine whether they need to bring in a police presence again. For now, pool staff will have to manage the problem.
