Evening lessons move after trouble at Liberty pool

Spokane firefighters doused a small brush fire at Liberty Park on Thursday, marking the second day of trouble at the southeast Spokane park.

The Liberty Aquatic Center was closed Wednesday morning after a group of young men invaded the pool during swim lessons, pushed the lifeguards around and bullied people, said Nancy Goodspeed, spokeswoman for the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department.

Staff members’ cars were keyed, causing an estimated $1,500 worth of damage. One report that a lifeguard was punched has yet to be confirmed.

Police reports were filed and the decision was made to shut the pool for the day, Goodspeed said.

On Thursday, the Spokane Police Department sent two officers to patrol during open swim time at the pool.

Just before the brush fire was reported about 1:15 p.m., on the east side along the Ben Burr Trail, officers were notified of young people playing with lighters behind the facility, officials said.

Fire crews were able to contain the blaze quickly, and no evacuations were required, although firefighters did move to protect structures, said Deputy Fire Chief Dave Leavenworth.

“We believe today’s brush fire may have been set by the same group of kids,” Goodspeed said.

Police and fire spokesmen, however, couldn’t confirm the link between the fire and troubles at the aquatic center.

Morning swim lessons will continue as scheduled, but all evening swim lessons at Liberty pool have been moved to Comstock through July 29.

“Safety for staff, kids and families is paramount for us, but it’s also a great shame that we have to have a police presence at a swimming pool for kids,” Goodspeed said.