Jul. 3--EL MONTE -- The thousands of children who will enjoy El Monte's swimming pools this summer almost didn't have a place to practice their butterfly strokes, play Marco Polo, or learn how to dive.

The city was planning on keeping the pool closed for the summer, as it had been for the previous five months, claiming it as a victim in the ongoing financial crisis.

But a $150,000 anonymous donation from a recording artist has allowed the El Monte Aquatic Center, 11001 Mildred St., to remain open for the summer, and provided free admission for kids under age 17.

"We received a call from this artist's manager. My eyes lit up, and my heart skipped a beat. This was in the middle of very difficult discussions about how and where to cut the department budget," Veronica Dolleschel, deputy city manager for community services.

Facing a budget deficit since last year that seemed to grow every day, city officials have slashed parks and recreation programs, as well as other city services. In addition to closing the aquatic center for much of the winter and spring, after-school and pee wee sports programs have been cancelled and programs in parks have been dramatically reduced.

The city was also planning on closing restrooms in parks during summer weekends, lacking staff to maintain them. But another donation for $10,000 from the Wayne C. Clayton Foundation has ensured they will remain open and parks partially staffed on Saturdays and Sundays.

City officials say they will likely have to rely more heavily on donations, grants and fees to cover the costs of operating recreational facilities. They are currently planning on closing the pool again after the summer.

Dolleschel is also hoping to enlist the help of volunteers to keep an eye on their local parks.

"El Monte has a lot of poor families. And our parks are where families go to play, where they hold birthday parties and family gatherings, where their kids play softball, soccer," said councilwoman Emily Ishigaki. "Any company or person that can help retain the services for the community, especially our children and senior citizens, I wish they would."

rebecca.kimitch@sgvn.com

(626) 962-8811, Ext. 2105

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