Families were out enjoying the midsummer sun recently, from exploring parks and bike trails to cooling off in the pool in North Park.
Jill Braunlich, Northern Regional recreation supervisor for Allegheny County, was holding down the fort July 8 at the vast 2 million-gallon swimming pool in North Park, which can pretty busy during hot weather.
On July 3 alone, more than 3,000 visitors frequented the pool throughout the day. The pool was once considered the largest in the world, according to the county website.
“Given the scope of this sometimes gives me pause,” said Braunlich, who lives in Ross. But she wouldn’t trade it for another, noting “I love my job.”
The North Park pool features lap lanes for all to use, an obstacle course, baby pool and spray pad. Anywhere from 21 to 24 lifeguards keep vigil at the pool each day, rotating spots around the pool approximately every 30 minutes, she said.
Jodi Kazar of Verona brought her grandchildren, Kelsey, 12, Hanna, 10, and Chris Gongaware, 8, all of Penn Hills, to the pool where she grew up swimming in.
“We used to live on West Hardies Road in Gibsonia and loved this park and pool. I wanted to bring my grandkids,” she said.
Nearby on the freeride skills park for bikers, Jennifer Douglas of Dormont brought her children, Corrinne and Douglas, and their cousin, James Wall, to take advantage of the leafy cover.
“A friend told me it was shaded and cooler. We tried it out and then we’re going to the pool,” Douglas said.
The North Park Swimming Pool is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Labor Day weekend. Allegheny County also operates Boyce Park Wave Pool, Settlers Cabin Wave Pool and South Park Wave Pool, along with Deer Lakes and Round Hill Park spray parks.
For details, visit alleghenycounty.us.