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BAGHDAD, Iraq (July 10, 2008) - Summer days in Baghdad often
rival the hottest days around the globe, and until recently, many
residents of central Baghdad's Karkh district did not have a place
they could visit to escape from the heat.
But a cooperative effort between Zawra Park officials and
Multinational Division Baghdad Soldiers from the 101st Airborne
Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team led to the July 5 reopening the
public swimming pool in the district's park.
"This is a great day for the citizens of Baghdad," Salah Abou El
Lail, Zawra Park director, said. "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 almost $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 that will help the
people they're here to protect.
"This makes me proud," said Army Lt. Col. Fred Wintrich, a Union
City, Texas, native, and executive officer for 2nd Brigade Combat
Team. "Everyone worked hard together to reopen this pool for the
Iraqi citizens."
The pool is a good example of what cooperation among local
officials, Iraqi security forces and U.S. forces can accomplish,
Wintrich said. "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," he added.
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.
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