(Posted April 30, 2015)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
With school almost out and summer on the horizon, swimming pool time is drawing near.
The South Charleston pool won’t look physically different than it did last year, but changes have taken place when it comes to ownership and maintenance.
Earlier this year, the South Charleston village commission voted to take over ownership of the pool property from the South Charleston Pool organization, a non-profit group. As such, the village is now responsible for paying taxes on the property and maintaining it.
“The reason we did this is to help the pool stay open hopefully for a long time,” said Sam Stucky, village commission president.
The non-profit was struggling to keep up with expenses, so the village decided to take on some of the financial burden.
“It’s a struggle for a lot of communities to maintain a pool, especially in a small town like South Charleston,” Stucky said. “The commissioners see the pool as an asset to the community. We’re just trying to do what we can to help them keep it open.”
The South Charleston Pool group will continue to handle day-to-day operations. They are responsible for paying employees, utility bills and concession costs. Revenues come from pool memberships, daily admission fees, concession sales, donations and grants.
“We are very thankful to the village for their involvement,” said Wendy Russell, South Charleston Pool president.
The pool board includes Russell, vice president Matt Harbage, secretary Rose White, treasurer Jennifer Routzahn, Greg Bonifay, Amanda Griffin and Josh Rice.
Russell noted that Yamada North America is donating much needed work on the pool’s pump room, bathrooms and other repairs.
“We are grateful for all community donations. Without the work of the community, our pool would not be able to open this season. We still need continued support to be able to sustain the pool,” Russell said.
Donations may be sent to “South Charleston Pool,” P.O. Box 90, South Charleston, OH 45368. All donations are tax deductible.
Pool Passes and Hours
Through May 25, the early bird price for purchasing season passes to the pool is $80 for the first family member and $25 for additional family members. After May 25, the price goes to $120 for the first member and $25 for additional members.
The daily admission rate is $5. Any time during the season, an individual can purchase a pass for 10 daily visits for the discounted price of $40.
Opening weekend is May 23-25. The regular season starts May 29. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. every day. If the temperature will not reach 70 degrees by noon, management may choose not to open for the day. During Clark County Fair week and the month of August, the pool may have shortened hours due to lack of attendance. The pool will close for the season the weekend before Southeastern Local Schools resumes classes.
The pool is located at 208 E. Columbus Road. For more information, look for “South Charleston Pool” on Facebook or call (937) 462-8188.
