Healthy Streets: Need for shaded recreational areas

Here on the West Side, some of our community recreation areas do not have covered or shaded areas to block the sun.

The importance of this matter should be heard now since our children are exposed to these rays of sun that can trigger heat stroke and lead to skin cancer.

Why is it that certain sides of town have shade covering in recreational pool areas -- why not make all pools equal? We would like to be able to enjoy going swimming without having to get exposed to the sun, worrying about getting skin cancer. I'd also like to add that swimming is one form of exercise keeping children fit and healthy and preventing obesity.

I have seen children coming out of the city-owned pool at Cassiano Park, 1728 Potosi, with their skin so dark; but the children are enjoying themselves because it's one way of staying cool during our hot summers.

My kids would like to go swimming at this pool since it is in walking distance of our home, but there is no shade around it. We would have to drive to a pool that has cover. They enjoy going swimming but, sometimes during the summer when they're off from school, parents who work don't have much time to take them to a pool that has shade or cover.

I would like to see all community pools become healthy, shaded environments.