Saturday, May 01, 1999
Golf Manor can't open its pool
Cash woes fell long tradition
BY WALT SCHAEFER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
GOLF MANOR — For the first time since it was built in 1955, there will be no splashing or laughter at the village pool this summer. It will be dry.
Because of budget constraints brought about largely by the loss of businesses and jobs, the village will not have enough money to open the com munity pool in Volunteer Park, across Wiehe Road from city hall.
“I'm saddened,” said Mayor Donna Faulk. “City council had to decide not to open it this year. Even on an abbreviated schedule, it would have cost about $39,000 — ... with $25,000 of that going to salaries” of the Blue Ash YMCA employees who would have operated it.
Mrs. Faulk asked for donations from businesses, organizations and other groups, but could obtain only about $9,800. Still, Mrs. Faulk said the village will make every effort to reopen the pool next year and work this summer to make about $5,000 in repairs it needs — a new chlorination system and filter, pump and vacuum system, and concrete work.
Dennis Puthoff, co-chairman of council's finance committee, said: “I grew up in that pool and I want it open at any cost. (But), we also have a financial responsibility to the community ... and to operate (the pool) is a $39,000 deficit a year. That is money we spend and do not get back. We do not have $39,000 in the treasury to allow it to open.”
Mr. Puthoff said that all efforts will be made to repair the pool and open it next year and, “If we are fiscally responsible and work hard, we will have the money to open it then.”
Mrs. Faulk said she is asking other communities that operate pools, and some private pools, to let village residents obtain discounted memberships.
Mrs. Faulk said funding for the village of about 4,000 was significantly affected when 110 jobs were lost when Ellenbee Leggett, a food service company, left town last year for new facilities in Fairfield. That and the loss of a few smaller businesses pinched the village budget.
“When a small town loses 110 jobs and more, that really hurts,” the mayor said.
Residents reacted with disappointment.
“I have three grandchildren, a son and daughter-in-law who use it a lot. Going to the pool has been a tradition since we moved here in 1956,” said Jane Monahan of Mayflower Avenue. “I really feel for the children, and there will be no swimming lessons.”
Lois Harcourt, 66, of Ardmour Avenue, said she “certainly didn't expect this. The pool opening has been a tradition since we moved here in 1959. It's a joy for the kids. Our boys grew up in that pool.”
The pool in nearby Silverton will open for eight weeks this summer, June 21-Aug. 15, after financier Carl Lindner agreed to give the city $40,000 for the pool, as he did last year.
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