East Liverpool City Auxiliary Hospital members, City Council, city officials and pool staff gather for the presentation of a $35,000 ceremonial check donated by East Liverpool City Auxiliary Hospital for the opening of the pool. (Photo by Christy R. Garabrant)
EAST LIVERPOOL — Although an opening date has not yet been set, the JB Cartwright Pool at Thompson Park is scheduled to open in the summer thanks to a generous donation from East Liverpool City Auxiliary Hospital.
The auxiliary presented a $35,000 check to the city Wednesday afternoon to cover the cost of season pool passes for East Liverpool's fifth- through eighth-graders.
The auxiliary, which has been around since the 1930s and disbanded in 2020, had a large endowment when it ended, which will be used to fund four charities it supports annually: Thompson Park, Fish, and Potter. He said he chose Progress and the Fawcett Foundation. Megan Hernandez, Auxiliary Member and East Liverpool City Schools Communications Manager;
Hernandez said that after learning that the pool had lost the grant it had received for the past four years from the Columbiana County Department of Employment and Family Services, they decided to call a special meeting of the auxiliary and resolved to fund the pool pass. Ta. this year.
“We’re very happy to be able to continue that this year.” Hernandez said. “Living in East Liverpool, there aren't many safe options for kids. It's a beautiful facility and we want to make sure the people of Thompson Park have access to the pool.”
Hernandez also said pool pass fees will be used to pay for pool chemicals, staffing and operating costs. It was specified by the sub-agency that this money would be allocated only to the pool and not to the general fund or anything else.
Pool passes are suitable as family passes for up to 5 people and are distributed to students during the last week of school.
Donations have also been received from residents and businesses. Mayor Bobby Smith said the city received about $4,000 in donations after posting on social media about the need for funds to build the pool.
To raise additional funds, local artist Craig Wetzel painted a watercolor of the pool facility and donated it to a charity that will hold a raffle, with the proceeds going to the pool. Additional details will be announced in the draw as they become available.
The decision to donate again next year is currently on hold pending further discussions about the possibility of the pool returning to park management. It is currently under the control of the city, which is seeking to take over the park.
Smith said there is talk of paying a small levy to ensure the pool opens next season, but that will depend on whether the park commission takes over the pool or the city maintains control of it. Stated.
Smith said opening pools is important in economically devastated small towns to give young people and families a place to go.
For Brannan Smith, who is in his sixth year as a pool lifeguard, the pool's opening means he can continue doing what he loves and working with the community without having to look for another job.
“I appreciate it very much” Smith said. “It means a lot to us that the city, especially the hospital, was able to come together with this donation. It really means a lot.”
East Liverpool City Councilor and Recreation Committee member Brian Carr said existing funding, including $24,000 carried over from last year and $35,000 in donations, will be a great support for the pool.
City Councilman and Recreation Committee Chairman Tom Clark said opening the pool is important to the public because it gives the city's young people something to do during the summer, and it gives them something to do during the summer. He said he hopes there will be enough funding to stay open. The whole season.
Kerr and Clark agreed to focus on getting through this season before focusing on next year's plans.
Carr also said there are many things he would like to see at the pool in the future, including ADA accessibility, a picnic area and a splash pad to make it a more family-oriented place. Making pool ADA accessible opens up more grant opportunities. Carr said he has always been concerned about the lack of mechanical chairs to help people with disabilities get in and out of the pool.
If you have ideas for funding sources, please contact Kerr with your suggestions.
Hernandez said she has a number of electricians and plumbers who volunteer their time to help with pool maintenance over the summer, or even just to fix a few problems around the pool before the pool. He said he hopes to have a contractor, such as a general handyman. Opens to loose ceilings in pool houses, etc. The pool needs some work before opening.
Carr also said the city would like to thank the volunteers who offered to help prepare the pool, including TLC for the pool house gutters and bathrooms.
“It’s really cheap.” Mr. Carr said. “It just takes a little work to fix it.”
Liverpool East Fire Station deep-cleaned the pool on Tuesday in preparation for filling it with water.
