Pool committee offers common sense solutions

"A group of people, working together, can change society. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

The above quotation -- attributed to the late American anthropologist, Margaret Mead -- came to mind this week when the McCook Swimming Pool Committee presented its recommendations to the McCook City Council.

The committee -- composed of 20 citizens of varied ages, occupations and interests -- concluded its work Monday by presenting a well thought-out, logical approach to addressing the community's concerns about the swimming pool.

In all instances, the committee took a practical, common sense approach to making sure that the pool will serve this community well ... not only now, but far into the future.

Here are the highlights of their summary report:

1. Keep the current swimming pool at Kelley Park rather than building a new pool or consolidating with the YMCA;

2. Locate and fix the leaks;

3. Provide lighting;

4. Either replace or repair the bathhouse.

The committee also offered a number of ideas for increasing pool revenues, including: (a) Raising daily rates and the cost of season passes; (b) Selling concessions, either using pool personnel or contracting with a concessionaire; (c) Expanding swim lesson programs in the mornings and or evenings; (d) Expanding pool hours to include the mornings and evenings; and (e) Renting the pool in the evenings or have swim nights sponsored by local businesses.

In regard to the financing of improvements, the pool committee urges the city to apply for a matching grant of $250,000 from the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission. Applications for the grant are due by Oct. 1 of this year, with the possibility of grant awards by December. According to the committee, the grant funds could be combined with funds already earmarked by the City Council to finance both current and future pool needs.

The pool committee also is urging the city to explore a national historical designation for Kelley Park, including the bathhouse and pool.

Good suggestions, all. The community is indebted to the pool committee members for their work. The pool committee's conclusions show how caring and conscientious the members were in conducting and completing the study.

When you cross paths with the committee members, tell them thanks. Members include Paul Wood, Randy Korgan, Ronda Graff, Jody Crocker, Kim Korgan, Dan Stramel, Jerda Garey Svengalis, Kathy Clapp, Roz Buddenberg, Mitch Lyster, Shelly Sehnert, Karen Hiatt, Charles Coleman, Paula Barrett Robuck, Martha Roe, Max Abercrombie Jr., Doris Friehe, Marlene Foster, Tracy Flaska and Lori Carfield.

Working together, they have made a positive contribution to the community.