TONAWANDA, N.Y. — ​People in the town of Tonawanda are pushing council members to reopen the Brighton pool.

It’s still closed, even though most COVID-19 restrictions have been listed. Residents are so adamant, they’ve even started a petition to try and sway lawmakers. It already has more than 500 signatures.

Neighbors met with Republican candidates for the town council to try and add more pressure to get the pool open again.

“It is completely safe for kids to be interacting outdoors,” Town of Tonawanda Republican Chairman Matthew Braun said, “110%. And our kids need this interaction, especially after one year of being locked down, not seeing any of their friends, not interacting with other kids. There’s going to be long-term effects from this.”

Spectrum News 1 has reached out to the town parks and recreation superintendent for comment.