Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Officials: Bottles of oil were thrown into the water late Saturday.
Despite weekend vandalism, residents are able to enjoy the city pool on Monday after cleanup by city staff and lifeguards.
The recent vandalism and theft at the Tucumcari Public Pool has prompted concern from officials about interruptions to access by the public.
"If it wasn't for the dedication of the life guards and city staff the pool would not have been open on Sunday," said city pool manager Bryan Dunlap.
Dunlap said unknown parties threw two bottles containing oil and other sediments over the fence into the pool sometime late Saturday night. He said the contaminants seeped out into the water and created a type of "oil slick."
"If we had not come in early, the pool would have been closed on Sunday," Dunlap said.
Dunlap said the pool had to be flooded to force the contaminated water out. He said the lifeguards scrubbed the tiles along the edge to remove any remaining traces of the oil and even scooped the oil into the drains by hand.
"We are looking into the incident and requesting any information from the public to identify those responsible," said Deputy Police Chief Pete Rivera.
On Thursday, the pool's main office was broken into with several items and cash being taken, Dunlap said, and there was also damage done to the building where someone gained access.
"It is sad when someone causes such needless damage," Dunlap said. "This pool is one of the few resources available for the public to enjoy."
