Generous Donation Helps Some OKC Residents Stay Cool This Summer

Oklahoma City budget cuts are making it a hot summer for some residents. The city had to close several pools, including the one at Macklanburg Park, but a generous donor has brought relief to residents there.

Wednesday, June 2nd 2010, 9:51 pm

By: News 9


By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City budget cuts are making it a hot summer for some residents. The city had to close several pools, including the one at Macklanburg Park, but a generous donor has brought relief to residents there.

This would have been the first year Macklanburg Park would have gone without the pool, but a donation from Chesapeake will have the pool back in business in just a couple weeks.

Chesapeake Energy surprised city leaders with a $39,000 donation, which was enough money to maintain the pool and pay for lifeguards.

"We're very pleased at the generosity of Chesapeake and the funds to open that pool for the summer," said Wendell Whisenhunt, Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Director.

And the Chesapeake donation has opened a tidal wave of generosity.

"We've had several individuals contact us who said they would like to try to raise money, so we're hopeful we will be able to open more pools," Wendell said.

Chesapeake's CEO, Aubrey McClendon said he donated the money because as a kid Oklahoma City, public pools were where he spent his summers. He said he wanted local kids to have the same opportunity.

The Macklanburg pool will open June 15.

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