For as long as she can remember, Johnecia Blue has visited the Cuscaden Park in Ybor City to enjoy quality time with her mother, Kahdijah Seay.
"This is a nice place to come for the children," said Seay.
And even better, the historic Cuscaden Pool right across the street. Seay celebrated with dozens of others after it finally reopened after nearly 10 years.
Back in 2009, the city shut down the historic pool after safety concerns.
But thanks to a grant and taxpayer money the city of Tampa got it back open last August, pouring more than $3.2 million in repairs.
But now a drainage problem has forced the city to close it again.
"It's really disappointing," Seay said.
Tampa city director Mike Chucran, who is overseeing the repairs, met with Action News reporter.
"When the renovation project was ongoing these drains were inspected, they were pressured tested, and they were deemed satisfactory," Chucran said.
The likely cause is direct sunlight beating down weakened the drain, he said.
"It's a big enough problem to shut the pool down," Chucran said.
Now in an abundance of caution the city will spend $10,000 to replace all three drains in the 8,100 square foot pool.
"As soon as we got word that the drain had failed, we went into action immediately," Chucran said. "We don't want it down longer than it has to be."
A team arrived to assess repairs while Action News reporting team discussed the issues.
The bad news, it doesn't look like the Cuscaden Pool will be back in business by Memorial Day.
"I think they will be heartbroken," Seay said of neighborhood residents who frequent the pool.
But Seay and her loved ones have faith in the city will try to reopen the pool as soon as possible, she said.
"They do try everyday, and they do keep the park clean," Seay said.
Chucran and other city leaders hope for now families will take advantage of two other pools within two miles of Cuscaden.
