GRAVETTE — Gravette’s municipal swimming pool will not open this summer. Gravette joined Decatur, which also is not opening its’ pool. Both cities indicate the pools are such liabilities and drain so much money from today’s strapped general fund, the decisions were no-brainers.

What a shame.

It will be the first time since 1970 Gravette has not had a swimming pool. Even though the swim season was almost over, it opened on Gravette Day in 1970. For many years it has provided summer recreation for youth and in many cases adults alike.

I just wonder how many kids learned to swim in the Gravette pool? Learned Red Cross safety? I wonder how many adults came after hours to relax? I wonder how many parties were held evenings when the area was filled with merriment?

Declining use was listed as one of the big factors the pool is closing. That and the cost of repairs that occur on a pool of its’ age. Both are legitimate reasons. But I wonder.

Why has use of the pool declined so much? Is it because there are so many private pools or backyard pools? Is it because of . . . . . .well, use your imaginations.

Here is a breakdown of the revenue the pool generated last year for a grand total of $5,756.00.

This compares with expenses of $17,252.40, for a loss of almost $11,500.

Revenue came from the following sources: Boys and Girls Club swim, $507; Pool concessions, $53; Pool gate, $3,266; Pool parties, $780; Pool passes, $1,150.

Now check out the expenses: Pre-pool opening costs which include painting, repairs, etc., $2,400; Pool concessions, $50.44; Pool chemicals, $2,273.14; Salaries, $9,676.21; Water to fill the 100,000 gallon pool, $200; Water to maintain the pool during the season $430.50; Electricity, $1,438.79; Phone, $783.32.

Fast forward to today.

The pool will undoubtedly require some maintenance should the picture change. A diving board, which broke last year, will have to be replaced. Arranging for the pre-opening activities will need to be addressed as well as the hiring of a pool manager and lifeguards.

Based on last year’s report, it would seem that opening is not an option. Not unless someone, somewhere, does some tweaking of the strapped city budget. That or if someone would want to address a fundraising drive or if some generous benefactor should come forth.

Answers are sometimes painful. Sometimes they are not the answers we want to hear. But sometimes, just sometimes, the answers can come from surprising sources, from surprising actions.

I wonder what the answer to the pool problem will be?

-Dodie Evans

Opinion, Pages 4 on 03/24/2010