GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. - A teenager is recovering at Lee Memorial Hospital after an alligator ripped off his left hand in a local canal.  Now, officials in Collier County is looking into a safer alternative for swimming.

Commissioner Jim Coletta tells Wink News he'd like Golden Gate Estates to get its own park with a community pool.  It would cost millions of dollars and most likely wouldn't be constructed until next year.

Residents who swim in the canal, nicknamed the Crystal, say they'd rather stay there.

"It might help out here if you have a pool," says Marty Martin.  "But, there's still gonna be some who come out here.  No rules, don't have to pay nothing."

Other residents say they like the idea.

"I think it would be good, its something for the kids.  No canal," says one resident.

Commissioner Coletta says he won't try to close down the canal, because its just not practical.  But, he would like to put up signs warning swimmers about the alligators.