By Don Rutledge
FPS Associate Editor
April 21, 2009
Sink or Swim?
That’s the dilemma of the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool.
After two rejections on consecutive nights for the village of Carrollton to take over the pool and the Carrollton Board of Education (which owns the pool) to reopen it, a group of pool supporters say they plan to continue their drive to reopen the pool.
“I think we should ‘Drop Back and Punt’,” said Kim Podratz, a member of Support Our Area Pool (SOAP).
Podratz said she was disappointed the Carrollton Board of Education will not reconsider the reopening of the swimming pool - which is owned by the School District - following her appeal to the Board at its April 14 meeting.
Podratz reviewed a handout projected on a PowerPoint presentation, which included detailed information regarding the swimming pool located at the Veterans Park on Brenner Rd., north of Carrollton.
She noted the pool has been operated by school staff, funded by school funds, covered by school insurance and is tax exempt.
In seeking support of the pool, Podratz said nearly half a million “learn to swim” have been educated at the Pool since its opening over 40 years ago.
“It’s a healthy place for kids to congregate and learn to swim with an average of 100 members involved in the Carrollton Water Warriors who compete in a B-level competition.
“Many of our students who compete go on to earn college scholarships, “ she added.
Discussing some of the problems at the pool, Podratz noted drain/plumbing issues, tiles which need repaired or removed, roofing issues, a septic system shared with the Vet’s Club, and the cost of maintaining the pool, which is approximately $30,000 over and above the current influx of funds.
In suggesting ways to make the reopening of the pool work, Ms. Podratz recommended seeking corporate sponsors, buying memberships and competing in a fundraising effort.
She noted the pool has collaboration with the YMCA, village of Carrollton, Washington Twp., the Carrollton School District’s “learn to swim” program and the Carroll County Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Special Olympics program.
“Other ways to make it work include family and individual sponsorships and grant opportunities,” she said.
“However, the needs to be addressed include someone to actually pay for the work to be done to get the pool up an running and someone to run the pool once the village has taken ownership,” Podratz said.
However, she was told at the Carrollton Council meeting the night before there was no money to buy the pool and consequently they (Council) would not make a commitment.
Board President Rose Kienzle said she was concerned about the insurance coverage if someone took over the pool and said the Board made a decision last December to close the pool upon the recommendation of Supt. Palmer Fogler.
Board Member Dr. Keith Burgett also pointed out part of the decision to close the pool was the limited use.
Supt. Fogler told Podratz and the group of supporters in attendance utilities and maintenance are not budgeted and therefore she is not willing to take on the added responsibility of operating the pool.
“The school no longer can afford that type of expense, noting school officials plan to discontinue the liability insurance on the pool and only carry insurance on the building,” the Superintendent said.
She also told The Free Press Standard later in the week the Board is considering placing the pool on the auction block. “However, if anyone is interested in purchasing the facility to call the board office at 330-627-2181,” Supt. Fogler added. |
