Three area pools did NOT open June 15 and Wicker Park Fountain is dry

Three of the 12 Chicago pools that did not open on June 15 are Pulaski Park, Hamlin Park and Union Park. In addition the historic Wicker Park Fountain has no water.

"No signs about the Pulaski Park pool not opening on Friday, June 15, were seen until that day. However, workman have appeared on and off since the end of April," according to Natalie Konieczko, who lives by the Park.

Pulaski Park and Union Park pools are scheduled to be open later this week while Hamlin Park is waiting for a work schedule, according to Chicago Park District's Judy Malloy. Judging from the view of Pulaski's pool, it is difficult to believe that that will be ready by the end of the week.

In the state of Illinois, October 1, 2011 was the deadline for pools being in compliance with the federal and state laws. The state sent six reminder letters out to all pool facilities throughout the state starting in 2008.

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act was made a federal law in 2007. It was the result of the 2002 drowning of the 7 year-old granddaughter of former secretary of state James Baker III. The child, known as Graeme, was trapped under water by the powerful suction from a hot tub drain.

It is reported that, "Graeme became stuck to a hot tub drain and was unable to pull herself free. Efforts by her mother to pull Graeme from the drain proved unsuccessful. Two men who eventually freed Graeme from the spa pulled so hard that the drain cover broke from the force. Graeme died from drowning, but the real cause of her death was suction entrapment due to a faulty drain cover."

The historic Wicker Park Fountain is as dry as the three area pools as the temperatures and humidity soar. It is reported that the fountain was working for about an hour one day, despite the fact that workman have been on site a few times.