The South Charleston swimming pool will open for another season this summer, thanks in part to a $1,500 donation from the South Charleston Community Club.
“It was really touch-and-go there for a while,” said Shawn Jackson. “We were concerned about not opening up.”
The swimming pool is operated by the Community Recreation Commission (CRC), a non-profit organization that relies on membership and daily admission fees to support the pool.
Due to rising costs over the last few years, the CRC’s ability to operate the facility on those funds has been severely hampered. Jackson said it was difficult to open last season due to a looming loan that needs to be paid off.
The South Charleston Community Club’s donation will allow the pool to open sometime in late May or early June. In the meantime, the CRC continues to seek other funding opportunities.
The American Legion has promised to donate money and is working out details of when and how much.
The CRC also hopes to gain funding through government entities and local foundations and has applied for several grants, including a hometown project through General Mills.
“We would like to get a dedicated revenue strain,” said Jackson.
The pool has benefited from grants in the past, which allowed for installation of new diving boards and a slide.
According to Jackson, however, obtaining grants is difficult due to the fact that the pool is operated by a non-profit organization, serves a limited population, and is only open a select time of year. Other grant sources look to issue money toward capital projects that involve construction.
“What we really need help with is general operating costs to get us though the summer,” Jackson said.
In the next three to five years, the CRC hopes to renovate and possibly replace the 40-year-old pool.
Individuals interested in making a contribution to the pool or obtaining a membership may contact Shawn Jackson at 937-462-8974. Membership applications can be mailed to CRC, P.O. Box 90, South Charleston, OH 45368.
