North Canton Officials, Residents Vying for Extended Dogwood Pool Schedule

In year's past, the last day to enjoy summer fun at Dogwood Pool landed on Labor Day.

Yet in 2012, the schedule was wound back two weeks, forcing the local hotspot to close in mid-August due to a staffing shortage.

For 2013 the closing date is slated for Aug. 19 and local leaders and city residents are trying to find the right solution to move it up to Sept. 2 (Labor Day).

According to Jim Davis, the city's director of utilities, services and recreation, the schedule was shortened last year due to a lack of college-age, part-time lifeguards who had to return to their respective universities and start the fall semester. 

"We're in the review process right now and our goal is to keep the pool open in some capacity until Labor Day," said North Canton Mayor David Held. "It's just a matter of having enough personnel."

North Canton City Councilman Jeff Peters, Ward 2, said creating the solution shouldn't be a difficult task. 

"All we need is three or maybe four kids to keep the pool open, so let's make it happen," said Peters who is also the vice chair of the North Canton Recreation Board. "In the end, it's not up to Council or the rec board, the mayor needs to approve the plan and its our hope he gets it done."