Residents come out to Algonquin pool on Memorial Day after shots fired nearby over weekend
Residents gathered at the newly renovated Algonquin Park pool on Memorial Day, just days after gunfire was reported near the park at the end of the pool's grand opening celebration.
After being closed for two years, community members and leaders celebrated the reopening of Algonquin Park pool on Saturday.
As the celebration was wrapping up, officers responded to shots fired near West Gaulbert Avenue and Catalpa Street, around the corner from Algonquin Park.
"I'm just happy that whatever transpired down there did not affect this event. Everybody from this event went home safe. It started at 12. It ended at 5. Whatever happened down there, the guy shooting in the air, whatever. It was four minutes before this event was over," said Metro councilwoman Tammy Hawkins.
Community members expressed their determination not to let the incident overshadow the joy of having a brand new pool.
"We just want everybody to be able to come down here and enjoy themselves," said Michael Bruce.
Hawkins emphasized the safety measures in place at the pool.
"We have a security company, alongside LMPD," she said.
On Memorial Day, people returned to the pool not just to cool off, but to reclaim the space.
"We're trying to let people understand that this is not the whole neighborhood. It's just not a bad place to be. We are good people," Bruce said.