Zelie pool opening delayed, but it will stay open longer
ZELIENOPLE — The pool in Zelienople Community Park will not open Memorial Day weekend as planned, officials said Tuesday.
However, the pool will remain open two weeks later than usual in September to make up for the lost time.
According to information from Joan Wolfe, park and pool manager, “circumstances beyond our control” will delay the pool's opening until June 8. This will allow construction to be completed and the health department to sign off on the project.
“We realize this can be disappointing to our patrons; it is certainly disappointing to us,” the statement reads. “But rest assured we have done all we can to make this pool a reality. One that we will have for many years to come.”
Planning to renovate the 60-year-old pool began in 2015, with the borough and Community Park Association outlining the $1.3 million project.
A Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant for $700,000 was awarded, with the requirement for matching funds to come from the borough. An additional $300,000 was estimated for fundraising, with a contingency plan of about 10 percent built in.
The project includes a new pool and renovations to the bathhouse, handicapped restrooms and concession stand.
As work has proceeded, grant reimbursements have been slow, forcing officials to find new ways to temporarily cover the difference. This includes borrowing from the borough's electric fund until portions of the grant were received. The final grant payment won't be received until after the project is completed, officials said.
Wolfe said the bathhouse and concession stand are completed, with work on the pool itself wrapping up.
To account for missing two weekends in May and June, the pool will stay open for two additional weekends in September “to allow our members and patrons to have a full pool season experience.”
“This new pool has been a labor of love and of hard work,” the release states. “Please try to understand what it takes to provide our patrons and citizens with a product you can be proud of and can enjoy with your families.”
