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Macomb, IL – The public pool in Macomb appears to have more lives than a cat. At the end of every summer, questions are raised about whether the 70-year old pool has seen its last swimmer. At the beginning of every following summer, the pool re-opens.
Park District Executive Director Ray Peterson says the pool will open again this year. He expects it to be ready in early June, during the same week the school year concludes.
"That's the intent at this point. Hopefully there won't be any surprises," Peterson said.
Peterson says the pool has not been tested to ensure it still holds water, but from what he can tell it should be ready.
There's been talk about replacing Glenwood Pool for at least a dozen years but no progress has been made.
A community-based pool committee was formed in 2006. It spent a year-and-a-half researching the matter before issuing its findings on November 13, 2007.
The committee recommended the community move in the direction of building a new aquatic facility with modern features and an adjoining community center. Construction money would come from a three year, half-cent sales tax and a $400,000 state grant. The committee also recommended a local fund raising campaign be held to come up with another $500,000.
So far, no action has been taken by the park district or the city regarding the committee's findings. Instead, the two governmental entities have spent a good deal of the time since then quarreling over the financial and management responsibilities for parks and the pool.
Several months ago a consultant offered a couple recommendations. One calls for the park district and city to work with the school district to offer public swimming at the high school.
The other recommendation is to build a year-round recreation facility.
So far, nothing has happened with either of those recommendations.