After budget cuts threatened to close seven community pools, concerned residents of Southside Park decided to write a letter to City Councilman Rob Fong.

The letter will specifically address the Southside Park Community pool facility, which serves people from many different neighborhoods, not just those who reside in Southside Park.

Land Park resident Pat McKnight showed up to support the Southside Park community and said she would be very sad to see it close.

"This is my favorite pool," McKnight said. I've been to others, and this is my favorite. It's very near and dear to my heart. My grandchildren visit here, and they love it."

Don Knutson, treasurer of the Southside Park Neighborhood Association, insisted that it's the city's responsibility to provide all the information the neighborhood association needs about what needs to be done to save the pool.

"The city needs to provide us with options," Knutson said. "They need to send a representative from Councilmember Fong's office who's informed on what we need to do."

Beverly Bumpas, president of the Southside Park Neighborhood Association, wanted to know how much tax money will be saved in closing the pool and how much of the pool's operating funds are being transferred elsewhere.

She also pointed out that the city must pay to maintain the pool, saying it can't just be left to sit there.

Although no city representatives were at the meeting last night to offer a response, residents are hoping for an answer before the next neighborhood association meeting on Sept. 8.