Brian Hagberg
WARREN, Pa. – City residents fought to keep the Summer Playground and C.A.R. Pool running last summer, now the city needs residents to step up in another way this year.
City Department of Public Works Director Mike Holtz told the Parks and Recreation Committee Tuesday that the city is in need of more playground supervisors.
“Like everybody else, we’re struggling to get supervisors,” Holtz said. “The City’s fortunate enough to get the same head supervisor from last year, so we don’t have to retrain him. We’re still waiting to see if we can get enough supervisors (to open a third playground).”
Holtz said the priority will be to open Beaty and Lacy playgrounds, but Crescent could be opened this year as well if the City can get the staffing.
Playground supervisors must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a series of background checks. A full position description, along with an employment application, can be found on the City website.
“For those that want to be a playground supervisor, there is an employment application on the City website,” City Manager Nancy Freenock told Your Daily Local. “Or, they can contact Jess Byler at the City office.”
Holtz said there is a similar staffing issue with lifeguards for the C.A.R. Pool.
“We’ve been talking to Dani Mumford at the YMCA and she’s been doing the same thing,” Holtz said. “She’s struggling trying to get enough guards to fill the time slots.”
Holtz added that there had been an increase in email traffic about the lifeguard positions.
“Individuals interested in lifeguarding can contact Dani Mumford at the Y,” Freenock said. “The Y will, I believe offer the requisite certification class.”
