Purcell Pool to Open Despite Tight Budget

PURCELL, Oklahoma -- It will be a great weekend to lather up with sunscreen and hit the pool. Children and families will head out to community pools across the state.

But in Purcell, the local water destination was on the verge of shutting down until a young resident spoke up and did something about it.

"We're going to need to eventually build a new swimming pool or get a major overhaul," Purcell City Manager Eric Johnson said.

This year a tight city budget threatened all kinds of summer fun.

"I recommended not opening the pool and also not purchasing fireworks, and it was solely due to budgetary issues that we're dealing with," Johnson said.

The cost of the federally-mandated new drains didn't turn out to be as much as expected. Still, the pool's future was in doubt until Erin Murphy got involved.

Eight-year-old Erin collected 227 signatures on a petition and presented it to the city council.

"She was received very well and was thanked by the mayor for coming, and we subsequently opened the pool," Johnson said.

So despite a tight city budget, the pool will be open.

But the City of Purcell has no money for fireworks. Private parties will come to the rescue--and will provide the funds needed for a glorious Fourth of July.

The Purcell pool will open on Saturday, June 13. But the cost per person to use the pool is going up, from $1.50 to $4.00.