HAZLETON, Pa. — People spent their Wednesday cooling off at Lake Irena at Hazel Township Community Park along Hazel Township Boulevard. Daniela Dani has lived in Hazleton for over 20 years. This is her go-to summer spot.
"Because it's big. It has the lake. You know, you can feed the geese. Let the kids run around, and it's peaceful and quiet," said Dani of Hazleton.
She adds there's one thing missing to help beat the heat. Like a public pool or a splash pad.
"Nothing here in Hazleton for that. Which would be nice to have. Somebody to bring it back. That's what the kids need," added Dani.
Swimming isn't allowed at Lake Irena, but fishing is.
"I've been out here all day. I haven't got nothing, just sitting out here baking in the heat. If there were a public pool to go to, that would be awesome. I'd definitely be there, most likely," said Cameron Bonney of Freeland. "You know, if we had a public pool at least, then you couldn't say, 'Oh, what are these kids up to?' They're swimming!"
For now, Bonney will spend the rest of the summer fishing, wishing for a pool.