2 Baltimore pools reopen after poop, graffiti and threats force abrupt closures

Two city swimming pools were re-opened on Sunday after being temporarily closed due to threats of violence, graffiti and poop. Yes, poop.

Baltimore City Parks and Recreation officials temporarily closed the Patterson Park site Saturday afternoon due to vandalism the night before that left the facility’s pool and deck damaged.

Alex Silverman, a spokesperson for the department, said there was “defecation in the pool and graffiti on the property.” Officials had to close the facility to run an eight to 12-hour filtration process to restore the pool system.

“Pool hopping is often accompanied by vandalism. It is not specific to Baltimore, unfortunately, and is experienced nationwide,” Silverman said. “This was the second instance of vandalism at Patterson Park pool this week.”

Just days before the closure, a group of young people leapt into the pool while it was closed, disregarding “no trespassing” signs and even taking one down.

On Saturday, Silverman said, there was also an altercation between patrons at the Lake Clifton Pool. The department closed the facility to prevent the situation from escalating, she added.

Parks and Recreation staff have since added security to Lake Clifton and re-opened both pools. All city pools will officially open on June 16.

“By enforcing pool rules, adding security at select pools and monitoring our pools overnight, we’re working to ensure these shared community spaces serve as safe, clean and accessible resources for residents during the summer months,” Silverman said.