As a parent of two small children who love swimming, I find it incredibly frustrating and unfair that public pools in Montclair, NJ are inaccessible until noon, especially during the sweltering summer heat. We do not belong to a country club because the fees are exorbitantly high, and we rely on our local public pools for recreation and relief.

We are not alone in this struggle. Many residents, just like us, desire early access to these public resources, particularly during heatwaves when it becomes essential, not just recreational, to cool off. Despite paying for these facilities through taxes and membership fees, the community is often prevented from enjoying them to the fullest.

The current operating hours and season schedules do not meet our needs. While we understand the pools host camps and activities, the rights of the general public should not be overlooked. We seek a balance where camps continue to operate while also allowing earlier and more reliable access for individuals and families.

Moreover, frequent closures due to weather and other issues further limit our access. Making public pools available earlier in the day and opening them earlier in the season will maximize their utility and ensure that all residents can benefit when they need it most.

This petition calls on local authorities to reconsider and revise the operation schedules for Montclair's public pools. We need a practical and fair approach that aligns with our community's needs and investments. Please support this effort by signing the petition to push for reasonable changes in our local public pool policies.