Despite the heat, it's time for pools, beaches to start closing

With summer ebbing, pools starting to close.

Star Tribune

Last update: August 19, 2008 - 9:39 PM

With temperatures flirting with 90 degrees this week, it's still beach weather. But swimmers at several beaches in Minneapolis will have to take to the water without lifeguards.

Sunday was the last day lifeguards were stationed at beaches at Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, Cedar Lake, Lake Nokomis and Wirth Lake, according to the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board.

The outdoor pool at Webber Park in north Minneapolis and the Jim Lupient Water Park in northeast Minneapolis will close on Sunday, while the North Commons Water Park will close Aug. 31.

Those looking to cool off in one of the city's 61 neighborhood wading pools will be able to do so until the week of Sept. 1.

St. Paul's Lake Phalen beach will close on Sunday, as does the Como Pool. The Highland Park Aquatic Center will close on Sept. 1

In Ramsey County, lifeguard service ended Aug. 10, but beaches remain open without lifeguards through Sept. 1. Beaches in Dakota County parks are open through Sept. 1.

TIM HARLOW