The public input phase of the Bellwood-Antis Pool Feasibility Study kicked-off February 28th to big crowds and lively discussions. A Focus Group welcomed nearly three-dozen participants at 5:30 and the group discussed the value of a public pool, while raising concerns over how the community might pay for the work to assure the pool would be viable for the long-term.
A public meeting followed at 7:00 p.m. to a crowd of more than 75. The crowd was a diverse one, that included younger parents, their children and older borough and township residents hoping to better understand the issues related to the pool facility. Ted and Susan Wallover, of Wallover Architects and Aquatics, and Township Manager Doug Brown provided background of both the pool feasibility study process, the state of the pool and pool house, and some financial background related to pool operation and maintenance. While the costs of upgrades or replacement remained a concern with this group as well, an overwhelming portion of the attendees voiced their hope that the pool would continue to be an important community asset for years to come. The Wallovers hoped to better understand the issues that should be examined in the public survey that would begin later in March and attendees suggested a number of issues that will be included in the survey. Residents are reminded to check out the news page or the township’s Facebook page for the survey link later in March.