BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — As Western New York prepares for potentially record-breaking temperatures, Buffalo families who rely on public pools and splash pads to beat the heat are worried about recent vandalism that threatens these vital community resources.
Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon recently shared images on social media showing that two of the city’s pools were accessed after hours in the past 48 hours, with one being vandalized. This comes after the MLK Park splash pad was temporarily closed during an earlier heat wave this month due to similar damage.
I turned to the community members who depend on these public spaces to understand what is at stake. As part of our commitment to being a voice for everyone in Buffalo, I spoke with families who said losing access to these cooling centers would be devastating.
“I get to play with friends and my sister,” said Zabdiel, a young splash pad visitor…