Page 3 - April - June, 2019 CityLine

Pool Safety Litchfi eld Park Youth Council
by Mary Dickson, Chief Building Official by Shelby Hennigan, Litchfield Park Youth Council Advisor
As the days start warming up, nothing is more inviting after a long
day at school or work than a dip in the swimming pool! Pools give
us a great way to relax, get-together with family and friends and
even provide some exercise. Along with all the positives, pools
also come with a great responsibility—Arizona Pool Barrier Law.

The Arizona Pool Barrier Law was established in 1992 to reduce
the number of drownings. The law requires barriers around any
water feature intended for swimming that’s more than 18 inches
deep. The fence that encloses the yard containing the pool must be On Thursday, February 21, 2019, three Litchfield Park Youth
unclimbable from the outside and be at least five feet tall. This is Council (LPYC) members had the opportunity to attend
considered the primary pool barrier. For more information access Leadership West’s West-X Leadership Summit. Council members
ARS 36-1681 at https://www.azlegal.gov/ars/36/01681.htm. Jaden Koruba, Kade England, and Miranna Berles participated
in the two-hour Ted Talk Style Presentation entitled, “Fear is a
In Litchfield Park, the City Council adopted stricter rules stating
that secondary barriers must be provided. Secondary barriers can Liar: Pivotal Moments When You Had to Lead Through Fear.”
Speakers included Lyndsey Fry, member of the 2014 US Women’s
be additional pool fencing, automatic pool covers, pool alarms, Hockey Team; Dr. Lily Matos DeBlieux, Superintendent of the
door closers, etc.
Pendergast Elementary School District; and Robert Miley, Owner
Gates located in both primary and secondary barrier fencing of Release the Fear, Inc. LPYC members also met and had lunch
must also comply with state and city regulations. Gates must be with representatives from other West Valley Youth Councils. We
self-latching and self-closing, while also being able to suitably fit a look forward to many more future leadership opportunities!
lock. Additionally, the gate must open outward and away from the At their February meeting, LPYC decided to use this term to focus
swimming area. To prevent small children from entering the area on raising awareness of environmental issues and to explore how
unsupervised, the latch on all gates must be at least 54 inches off the our community can become more environmentally conscious.
ground. If you have an RV or double gates, these must be padlocked. Possible projects include a Community Clean Up Day and a
While these laws have greatly reduced the number of drownings in recycling campaign to educate the community about correct
Arizona, nothing is more important than ‘watching your kids around recycling etiquette and the importance of recycling to the City.
water’ and, regardless of age, never swim alone! The final deadline for applications for the 2019 LPYC spring term
If you are concerned that your backyard may not be in compliance was February 1, 2019—10 youth are currently LYPC members. If
with the Arizona Pool Barrier Law, contact Building Safety for a you or someone you know is interested in applying for the 2019-
free inspection. To schedule, call 623-935-1066 or email the request 2020 term, which will begin Thursday, August 1, 2019, please
to building@litchfield-park.org. request additional information at City Hall, 214 W. Wigwam
Boulevard, Litchfield Park, or email lpyc@litchfield-park.org.
2019 Flag Ceremonies HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSURES
8:15am City Hall Front Lawn, Reception to follow
City Hall, Magistrate Court &
US Army Day 244th Birthday June 14 Recreation Center
Flag Raising Ceremony: Friday, June 14
Memorial Day
US Coast Guard 229th Birthday August 4 Monday, May 27, 2019
Flag Raising Ceremony: Friday, August 2
4th of July
US Air Force 72nd Birthday September 18 Thursday, July 4, 2019
Flag Raising Ceremony: Wednesday, September 18
Recreation Center Hours
US Navy Day 244th Birthday October 13
Flag Raising Ceremony: Friday, October 11 Memorial Day
Monday, May 27, 2019 • Open 10am-5pm
Marine Corps 244th Birthday November 10
Flag Raising Ceremony: Friday, November 8 4th of July
Thursday, July 4, 2019 • Open 10am-5pm

litchfi eld-park.org Apr-Jun 2019 Issue | 3