Friday, July 21, 2000
Clubhouse gutted, but pool to reopen
Could be back in the swim by Saturday
By Lew Moores
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP — A suspicious fire that gutted the clubhouse of the Brentwood Swim Club will not stop the club from reopening, members say.
The fire caused about $25,000 damage to the clubhouse on Cottonwood Road, but did not damage the pool itself.
Springfield Township Assistant Fire Chief Rick Browe said the fire started about 5:50 a.m. in two locations and is being listed as suspicious. There were signs of forced entry, he said, and the investigation continues.
Throughout the morning Thursday, swim club members, lifeguards, the manager and a board member visited the charred clubhouse.
Nancy Ziegler, who managed the swim club from 1995 to 1998 and has been a board member for two years, said the board was to meet Thursday night to talk about its options.
She said they could install a temporary office and electricity, and bring in portable toilets as early as Saturday to reopen the pool.
“We'll get back in business,” Ms. Ziegler said. “We're hoping the community will get together and support the efforts.”
While a knot of kids peered into the blackened interior of the clubhouse, Springfield Township Detective Savalas Kidd collected evidence in a plastic bag and a mobile crime scene unit from the Cincinnati Police Division arrived.
“The biggest thing is, there is anger that someone would want to destroy an institution of the community,” said Ms. Ziegler.
The club had swimming lessons and swim team practice in the mornings. About 100 families belong to the club, which is about 40 years old. It is a
close-knit group; members know one another and have belonged for years.
Stacey Sollmann is the swim and dive coach and assistant manager, but even before becoming an employee she was a member of the club.
“I lived within bike riding distance,” Ms. Sollmann said. “It's a great place for kids to come. It would kill them if it wasn't here.”
The building contained restrooms, locker rooms and showers, a front office and snack bar.
“I was just shocked somebody could do this,” said Alex Helmes, 18, a lifeguard at the club the past three years. He has also worked in the snack bar and been a member since he was a youngster.
“It's really shocking,” said Zac Busam, 17, a lifeguard who has also been a member ever since he can remember. “This is like a family pool. I live right around the corner. We've had break-ins, stealing candy. But never any thing like this.”
Michael Young, who is 11 and lives nearby in this Finneytown residential neighborhood, stared at the gutted building.
“It looks like charcoal,” he said.
“It's horrible,” said Jabari Wright, 10. “Bad people did this. They can't keep themselves out of trouble.”
Teens' impossible dream
Boaters find less sewage in river
Pipe keeps raw sewage from river
Serial bank robberies alleged
Bush plans public rally
Loyalty is near top of Bush's VP list
Accused mother, 16, sobs in court
Clubhouse gutted, but pool to reopen
Driver gets 10 years in teacher's death
'Fly Jock' show free at Aronoff
Former OSU star Schlichter indicted
Jury: Hooters must pay $275K
Long-lost sister becomes very best friend
Petey: A life not forgotten
GET TO IT
Good ideas for kid's play
Mother's method makes kids work
Pig Parade: Periodic Pig
Who should be cast away?
Audit raps Lebanon for finances
Boy, 16, charged with murder
Cancer Society's resale store needs volunteers
DiGiuro slaying to grand jury
In the Schools
Kids learn safety rules at this camp
Ky. near top in immunizing tots
'Michael Richards Show' a shambles?
Resnick foes win decision
Taft, school-reform group meet
The postman always sings twice? No, but . . .
Witness in fatal shooting recants
