Swimming pool will be re-opened

DECATUR — Council members voted, at Monday’s meeting, to re-open the Decatur Swimming Pool this summer on a trial basis after Mayor Charles Linam pledged to spend $2,000 of his own money to help with expenses.

The swimming pool was closed last year because it had been losing more money than usual and suffered from a lack of attendance. The pool had lost $9,000 in 2009 and $7,000 in 2008. It was also in need of repairs to the fence and the cement around the diving board.

Linam told the council he would give $2,000 of his personal money to help bring down the operational expenses. He also made a number of suggestions for improving attendance. One way to encourage more people to attend would be to change the pool hours, Linam said. He gave an example of keeping the pool open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends.

“These are just suggestions. We need family-friendly hours,” he said.

Linam pointed out that many families can be seen swimming at Crystal Lake, not only because it’s free but because it is always open. During weekdays there is rarely anyone swimming at Crystal Lake, but in the evenings when parents are off work and on weekends the lake is usually busy, Linam observed.

City Utilities Director James Boston said it has been estimated the fence will cost about $750 to repair. The cement around the diving board will also need repair.

Councilwoman Nan McClain suggested selling pool passes in two week increments instead of for the whole summer to help parents with the costs.

“It may not be a viable option, but we need to come up with an idea for marketing and packaging it ... It’s got to be used a whole lot more,” McClain said.

While summer is still months away, the city will need to begin hiring and training lifeguards. The process of getting the pool ready to open will need to begin this month.