Clock is Ticking on West Pottsgrove Pool Resolution

The West Pottsgrove Community Pool has not been open for the last three summers.

The clock is ticking on the fate of West Pottsgrove's beleaguered township pool.

Two weeks ago, township commissioners said they are looking for a final resolution to the township pool, formerly the Colonial Pool.

A committee has been formed and input from township residents is being sought. However, Township Manager Craig Lloyd said Wednesday night to date, no public input on the matter has been received from the township.

In the meantime, Commissioner Charles Valentine said he met with Craig Colistra, program manager for the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation.

Valentine said he was told that the foundation cannot take over operation of the pool.

However, the township can apply for a grant for a feasibility study about pool options, or grants to pay for swim lessons, something that might help attract a potential operator.

Commissioner Mark Green, who sits on the committee with Valentine and Commissioner Pete LaRosa, the pool's most consistent champion, didn't see much benefit to that.

"We want someone to lease it or get rid of it," said Green. "Three years is long enough."

Valentine pointed out that a feasibility study might help the township find someone to take over the pool.

Operated since 1968 as a private, nonprofit community pool, the Colonial fell behind on its tax payments and finally fell victim to a combination of age, a slow economy and more homes with their own pools in their backyards.

The township paid $71,000 in back taxes and unpaid bills to take over the pool in 2010.

The township also put as least $250,000 into refurbishing the pool facility by the time it re-opened in August, 2011.

Here are the Tweets from the meeting:

Clock Ticking on Township Pool Options