Pool Could Close Because of '$150,000 Dilemma'

Denny D'Orazio prefaced his "$150,000 dilemma" with a three-minute video featuring scenes from Town Park pool—vintage black-and-white images juxtaposed with pictures and video from this past season.

As the Beach Boys crooned "Fun, Fun, Fun" children told the camera what they liked best about the venerable summertime destination, with one boy announcing that "everything" was his choice.

"I like Town Park so much I want to kiss it," another boy told the camera with a toothy smile.

It was referred to as the "heart of ," and as "a legacy that must live on."

But the parks and recreation board president told Canonsburg Council during its meeting Monday that the only way to do that is to replace the pool's liner—a necessity that will cost about $150,000.

"Where in the hell are we going to get $150,000?" he asked council, adding that the liner was last replaced in 1997. "We need to do something soon."

In fact: Both D'Orazio and borough Manager Terry Hazlett said that unless the borough moves quickly—embarking on the work this fall—the pool will not be able to open for the season next summer.

"If we lose a summer, North Strabane will take over," D'Orazio said,

And he added that while the board does fund-raise as much as it can, the $150,000 price tag for the liner is beyond its capabilities.

Then he asked council members formally: Will you help?

"Sure," Councilman Rich Russo spoke up quickly.

But other members weren't so sure.

Councilman Joe Graff said that $150,000 for a pool liner was difficult to justify when there are roads that are "barely passable."

Council President John Bevec then spoke up, suggesting that the matter be further explored at a budget workshop to be held sometime next month—and acknowledged that finding $150,000 in a $4 million budget would be a challenge.

But D'Orazio was clear: "I think we're in the triage department here," he told council. "If we want to have a pool next year, we need a liner."

Russo then asked that D'Orazio and his board gather more information on what liner is needed, what it would cost and what companies would be willing and able to do the work.

"Right now it's only a vague thought," he told the parks and recreation chairman.

Editor's Note: No time or date was set for the budget workshop meeting Monday. Check back with Canon-McMillan Patch for more details as they become available.