HIALEAH — City officials have temporarily closed all Hialeah-operated public pools as health and safety experts conduct individual inspections of each facility following recent safety concerns at Bucky Dent Water Park.
Immediate closures, inspections under way
The Milander Pool, McDonald Pool, Babcock Pool and Bucky Dent Water Park are all closed while authorities complete evaluations to determine whether repairs or other corrective measures are necessary. The closures were announced Tuesday and were described by the city as a precautionary step.
The shutdowns came days after Bucky Dent Water Park reopened after a seven-year closure only to be ordered closed again by state officials shortly after it began operating. The Florida Department of Health found multiple problems during an inspection of Bucky Dent that led to the state order.
What inspectors found at Bucky Dent
State inspectors cited significant operational and safety violations at Bucky Dent. According to reporting from the Miami Herald, inspectors found 34 violations, including issues with pumps and filtration systems, broken safety equipment and a drain cover missing screws that could pose an entrapment risk. The facility had also reopened without the required state permit.
“We need to exercise due caution,” Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo told the Miami Herald Editorial Board, explaining the decision to expand the review to all city pools.
The sequence of events began after an 80-year-old swimmer at Bucky Dent became unresponsive and had to be rescued; that incident prompted two complaints to the Florida Department of Health and triggered the inspection that uncovered the violations.
How this affects residents
The citywide review surprised some Hialeah residents who arrived at facilities expecting them to be open. One visitor told local TV she had gone to multiple parks before discovering the closures.
Officials have not set a reopening date. Each location will remain closed while experts complete inspections and identify work required to bring the facilities into compliance with safety and health standards.
- Facilities currently closed: Milander Pool, McDonald Pool, Babcock Pool, Bucky Dent Water Park.
- Known violations at Bucky Dent: 34 violations including equipment, filtration and a missing permit.
- Triggering incident: an 80-year-old swimmer required rescue; two complaints filed with state health officials.
City response and funding request
Mayor Bryan Calvo visited Bucky Dent Water Park as the city addressed questions about the condition of its aquatic and park facilities. Calvo said the present conditions are largely the result of years of deferred maintenance and that his administration is seeking resources to renovate and modernize the properties.
The mayor has formally requested assistance securing $5 million to address improvements across the city’s recreational assets. He also indicated the city will seek independent pool experts to inspect each site before reopening, saying city leaders must be “prudent” and avoid putting anyone’s life at risk.
| Facility | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bucky Dent Water Park | Closed | Reopened after 7 years, closed after state inspection found 34 violations; lacked required permit |
| Milander Pool | Closed | Under individual inspection |
| McDonald Pool | Closed | Under individual inspection |
| Babcock Pool | Closed | Under individual inspection |
City officials said health and safety experts will determine whether repairs or corrective measures are required and when those can be completed. For now, residents should plan for continued closures and monitor city communications for updates on timelines and any potential alternatives for cooling centers or recreation.
The closures underscore broader questions about long-term maintenance and funding for municipal recreational facilities in Hialeah, particularly as the city balances public-safety responsibilities during one of the hottest parts of the year.
