Photo By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson | Three Iraqi children splash around in a shallow pool during the festivities for the...... read more read more
By Sgt. Jason Thompson
Multi-National Division-Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Summer days in Baghdad often rival some of the hottest days from across the globe; and until recently, many residents of central Baghdad's Karkh District did not have any place where they could visit to escape from the heat.
Zawra Park officials worked closely with Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, to reopen the park's public swimming pool on July 5.
"This is a great day for the citizens of Baghdad," said Salah Abou El Lail, park director, Zawra Park. "This pool will be a great and enjoyable destination for many Baghdad Families. Families already enjoy visiting the park and the zoo here, and the pool will be fun for everyone."
The project to refurbish the swimming pool complex began more than four months ago and cost just less than $500,000 to complete.
Temperatures in Iraq regularly surpass 120 degrees during the merciless summer. But, for the Soldiers who patrol the streets in central Baghdad, the pool is a welcome scene which will help the people they're here to protect.
"This makes me proud," said Lt. Col. Fred Wintrich, a Union City, Texas, native, and executive officer, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. "Everyone worked hard together to reopen this pool for the Iraqi citizens."
"This is a good example of what cooperation between the local officials, Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. Forces can accomplish," said Wintrich. "We've helped to improve the security of the region so that the local residents could enjoy a more peaceful community to raise their families."
During the opening day's festivities, children and young adults alike swam and splashed around in the water with large smiles, knowing that the pool signified more than just a new recreational activity in the already popular Zawra Park.
| Date Taken: | 07.05.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.05.2008 18:00 |
| Story ID: | 21213 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 253 |
| Downloads: | 198 |
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