This photo was taken this past Saturday, May 31, at approximately 12:30 p.m. The question: why is NO-ONE at the pool? Answer: a swim meet had just concluded, that is why.
Now, I don’t have a problem AT ALL with the SWIM TEAM or any swim team or anyone using the pool, i.e. the YMCA, or any organization. The pool is there to be used and these people use it. GREAT!!
But, there are some people in town who are claiming that between the private uses of the pool and the swim meets, they can’t use the pool when they want to.
I even had someone tell me that when there are birthday parties at the pool, the shallow end is not available to the public.
So, let us try to put to rest all this mis-information as best we can here. I did contact the Cheshire Community Pool on Monday to try to find out exactly what the story is.
Now I know from my own experience that when I have gone swimming at the pool even in the Winter, even when there was a birthday party, I could swim where ever I wanted to–no problem.
Now as far as swim meets go, I have been at the pool when a swim meet takes place. The pool personnel may close off some of the laps for the swim meet–DUH!! but you are technically able to use the rest of the pool. I admit though, it is a little uncomfortable and I sort of felt out of place because my swimming is bad to say the least!! And honestly, I felt as if I were in their way. But technically, no-one told me or any other member of the public to leave the pool.
There are swim meets when the entire pool is closed to the public, but there is a sign at the pool notifying patrons when these meets will take place. Unfortunately, if you don’t go to the pool all the time or don’t make a mental note, you may forget. What needs to happen, as was relayed to one of the pool staff members I spoke with briefly Monday, is for the Staff of the Community Pool to put the swim meet schedule on the Community Pool website. Then at least, people would know in advance.
As far as the Scuba lessons, the birthday parties and YMCA activities, I don’t feel they interfere with my swimming. I mean, these people don’t use the kiddie pool where I swim!! so it is not a problem for me.
But some members of the public feel these groups use the pool too much and it is turning into a private pool. Then, you have the other side that feels they have as much of a right as possible to use the pool, especially if they paid for lessons.
“Well, I paid for a season membership,” one resident said, “Why can’t I use the pool when I want. I want to use the whole pool, not part of it. If that is the case, I want to pay a partial membership. It seems like everytime I go down there, some private event is taking place.”
The Town has to deal with this issue, because in the long run, the residents of this town are paying to support this pool, which is getting more and more expensive. Hopefully, serious discussions will take place. I suggest an informal round table where people from the community can get together and vent (and discuss).
Now, here is the schedule that appears on the Cheshire Community Pool website. Scroll down past the application to see the schedule.
And as far as pool fees go, I found a Community Pool website with a newsletter from Washington State. This pool has a “bubble” on it also. But, they charge a LOT more than Cheshire, like $80 a month for a resident family membership. I believe the town is Bellevue, Washington, which is a suburb like Cheshire.
Click here for their newsletter and pool fees.
Another town, Mamaroneck, N.Y., also had the bubble roof at their community pool, but just recently replaced it.
Ok, now you may have a problem getting to the library this month because of “Photography by Gordon and CIndy Kleist.”
The photos are IN THE MOSS ROOM upstairs to the left where the videos are!! I know the police will be issuing a traffic advisory because of the gridlock, but believe me, it is worth the wait.
And once again, If you wish to purchase a photo, we will donate the money to the Library, Cheshire Youth Baseball, Relay for Life, or any charity you wish. There is a $20 minimum donation.
