At Tempe Y, they’re back in the swim
It’s safe to swim again at the Tempe YMCA. Executive Director Vincent Mirizio reported on Wednesday that crews have completed replacement of the pool’s entire chlorine disbursement system at a cost of $12,000.
After several tests following a mid-August chlorine leak that sent several people to the hospital, YMCA staff and consultants could not recreate the incident, Mirizio said.
With no data to pinpoint a specific cause of the problem, a decision was made to replace the system altogether and install three additional backup measures, he said.
The same upgrades will be made to pool and spa systems at all Valley YMCA facilities, he said.
Work at the Tempe Y was completed approximately Sept. 9. Subsequent testing by the Maricopa County Health Department and the city of Tempe showed no problems and a use permit was reissued.
At the same time he reported on the pool project, Mirizio announced completion of a new teen center at the Y and a new director hired to oversee its operation.
The center includes computer and homework stations, ping pong, foosball, billiards, a big-screen TV and other features designed to provide teens with a place to congregate during non-school hours.
The new director, Natalie Barela, also will supervise the Y’s successful Tempe Youth Leadership program, which will launch its fifth annual class later this year.
