To the Editor:

I am a seventh grader at Garza Middle School, and I am writing about the city's plan to close the Rosewood public pool at the end of July instead of in late August. The city says this will save money because fewer people swim once school starts.

I understand that the city has to save money. However, August is one of the hottest months of the year in our town. Last August, the temperature was over 100 degrees on many days. Many families in our neighborhood do not have a pool or even a strong air conditioner. For them, the Rosewood pool is the safest and cheapest way to cool off.

The pool also gives teenagers summer jobs. My older cousin worked there as a lifeguard last year and saved money for her first car. If the pool closes early, the lifeguards will lose almost a month of pay.

Instead of closing the pool, the city could keep it open only on weekends in August, when more families have time to swim. This would cost less than staying open every day, but it would still help the people who need the pool most.

Sincerely,

Alejandro Torres