Public Invited to Weigh in on Belmont Pool
An advisory committee pondering the future of the Belmont Complex swimming pool in East Franklin Township is seeking public input at a public meeting at 6:30PM tomorrow - Tuesday, September 22 - inside the complex. (KP File Photo)
by Jonathan Weaver
Since 1960, the Belmont Complex swimming pool has refreshed local families from the summer heat.
The pool then led to an indoor ice hockey rink, but its future has come under question due to overall costs.
A 15-member advisory committee made up of local and regional residents began discussing ideas on the East Franklin Township swimming pool in July, and now they seek local residents’ input during a public meeting tomorrow in the complex’s conference room.
County Planning and Development Assistant Director Carmen Johnson recommended the community stakeholders during a June Armstrong County Commissioners public meeting, and they were unanimously approved.
“The County received a grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for a feasibility study of the Belmont pool to determine its long-term viability,” Johnson said in June. “The grant amount is $30,700, and the County is matching that equally.
“The program guidelines for DCNR require that there be a study committee established to work with the County and a consultant.”
The past few years, Johnson has also applied for DCNR grant funding and other State funds for renovations at the facility. At the end of 2013, local dignitaries ceremoniously opened new locker rooms and a remodeled front entrance.
The 15-member committee includes representatives from the Belmont Complex – such as Executive Director Gary Montebell, Belmont Advisory Committee Members Gary Pinkerton and Donald Poorman, and Head Lifeguard Leslie Campbell - as well as Commissioners David Battaglia, Bob Bower and Rich Fink and community representatives in different fields: Armstrong School District Devin Lorigan, Leechburg Pool Manager Dom Guido, the Rev. Geoff Reppard of Mount Union Bible Church in Rayburn Township, emergency medical technician T.L. Ralston, Richard G. Snyder YMCA CEO Joely Beeker, Area Agency on Aging Aging Care Manager Supervisor Dan Shirley, Brady’s Bend Township Secretary Sheila Markel and East Franklin Township Planning Commission Chairman Chris Remaley.
The feasibility study has been underway at least since July 2014.
Commissioner Fink said the committee will collectively be able to make a decision on the Belmont Complex pools future to be able to continue to provide an activity for youth now that school is out.
“I think it’s going to show us some changes we need to make at the Belmont,” Fink said. “I think when we look at the feasibility, obviously (commissioners) know that’s where we’re spending a lot of money (and) we’re not bringing in the revenue to offset the expenses. This will help us determine, ‘Do we right-size the pool? Eliminate the pool? Put in another type of recreation?’
Campbell - a lifeguard since 2005 previously said some additional outdoor attractions would benefit the summer recreation due to decreased attendance.
The public meeting begins at 6:30PM.
Local News | jweaver September 21, 2015
By Snarf, September 21, 2015 @ 8:27 AM
(If it comes to that) Yes, take the pool away, because there is already so much to do here already. For those who didn’t notice, this comment it dripping with sarcasm.