We used to have so many public pools, but over the years they have shut down one at a time.
Anyone who has ever owned a pool knows that pool maintenance is expensive. Enon used to have a big one before we moved here. I also remember a pool in Park Layne near Raynor Park, but it closed, too. The swim club north of the mall is now closed. And a couple of pools on the base have been closed as well.
There used to be a swim club in Fairborn called Green Meadows, but it closed.
There are a few club pools still around in Springfield, but often they require club membership or a fee higher than I can afford.
This seems to be happening all over the country. Managing a pool is expensive, and there are so many different things to do in the summer that lure some of the swimmers away.
Those us who love to swim, but cannot afford our own pools, are in danger of losing the only pools available to us. You see, all pools need swimmers to buy memberships or to show up once in awhile to pay and swim. If the numbers get too low, it will no longer be possible for a city or parks department or the clubs to keep these nice pools open.
Right now the only public outside pool in western Clark County is the huge pool in New Carlisle, 300. E. Lake. I really enjoy this pool. It is so big it never seems overcrowded. The baby pool is a nice size and the refreshment stand is handy.
Reasonably priced annual memberships for individuals or for families are available or you can just pay by the day. Call 937-845-8116 for more information. It is especially nice that this pool is within walking or biking distance for many. Swim lessons and water fitness classes are offered. The pool can also be rented for parties or group events.
The newest pool in western Clark County is the big indoor pool at New Carlisle Sports and Fitness, 524 N. Dayton Lakeview Rd. (Ohio 235, the former YMCA). It is holds swim lessons in the heated therapy pool, and offers some reasonably priced deals on short-term membership for swimming in the big pool. The indoor facility is lovely and you will not get sunburned here. Stop by or call the desk to see if this place fits your swimming needs, 937-846-1000.
National Trail Parks and Recreation’s pool, Splash Zone Family Aquatic Center, is located on the western side of Springfield at 300 Eagle City Road. Splash Zone offers different kinds of water play in addition to swimming. There are swim lessons, fitness classes and a long list of special events planned. It is a bit of a drive for those in the western of the county, however, and such things need to be considered with gas prices as they are. Season passes are available or you can pay each day at the door. Call 937-324-7665 for more information.
With the weather as stinking hot as it has been this summer, I’m so thankful we still have a few pools open in our end of the county. However, if we do not get out there and support the public pools, I believe they could sadly go the way of all those other public pools we remembered as children.
I think teaching all kids to swim is a great thing to do. Swimming is great recreation, and I hope our pools continue to keep us cool for many years to come.
We just have to remember: If we like public pools, we need to use them or we will lose them.
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