Greensboro, NC -- For years, hundreds of local swimmers packed the pool at the Lindley Recreation Center for the Community Swim Association's City Meet. This year, they're competing at the Greensboro Aquatic Center, which means big changes for the people who live around Lindley Park.
"It's nice and peaceful," neighbor Rick Owen said Saturday morning. "We can back out of our driveway without any hassle."
Owen has lived close to the Lindley Recreation Center for 10 years. While some neighbors say they're a bit sentimental that the pool was empty this morning, Rick and several other people say they're still happy to have their neighborhood back.
In years past, hundreds of parents would pack the bleachers near the pool and their cars jammed the streets around the rec center. Now, the roads are no longer lined with dozens of vehicles -- and it's easier for people who live nearby to go about their business.
"I park my truck on the side of the road," Owen said. "I've been blocked before where I couldn't even get out to go to work. And I had to wait until somebody came by and moved their car. And [I] had to call my work and tell them why I'm being late. So, I haven't missed it at all."
The meet started Thursday and will wrap up Saturday night.
WFMY News 2