For nearly four years, Zelienople officials have looked forward to the day a pool renovation project would be completed and the Community Park Pool would open with a splash.

Over the past year, however, that project may have instead left officials with a sinking feeling, with delays in grant reimbursements challenging them to keep their head above water.

The $1.3 million project is being paid for via a $700,000 matching grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. An additional $300,000 was slated to come from community donations and fundraising.

As work progressed, bills were written. However, getting portions of the grant money was slow going, putting the borough in a tough situation.

How officials reacted to those challenges should be commended, as should the mindful consideration of taxpayer funds.

Officials wanted to ensure the project was being done properly and on time but, most importantly, on budget. They also wanted to ensure bills were being paid in a timely manner, leading council to approve borrowing money from the borough’s electric fund to do so. This was done with the caveat that all money be repaid once reimbursements were received.

Borough officials had no other choice in the matter. After committing to the project, it is their responsibility to ensure they hold up their end of the bargain.

Still, members of council were quick to point out that the electric fund exists for emergencies, and borrowing from it should only occur as a last resort. They urged caution in doing so again.

We believe this mind-set is what will ultimately make the project successful.

From the beginning, all involved have been aware of the financial requirements of such a project. Even after securing the grant and matching the funds, the original scope of work called for $700,000 in fund-raising donations. Instead of moving forward with the project when such a large amount was left outstanding, officials changed the scope of the work and cut that amount by more than half.

These considerations for the community and taxpayers should not go unnoticed. While work at the pool was much needed and will inevitably be appreciated by many, it has not been done at the expense of practicality and fiscal responsibility.

The project itself has been challenging, with unexpected construction issues and inclement weather affecting progress. Officials said that while it is still anticipated to be completed in time for a Memorial Day opening, it will be close.

While a delay would be disappointing, we urge community members to trust that such delays are happening for good reason. Those dealing with the work have not only been considerate of the community’s financial investment throughout the project, but they have also been forthcoming about issues or problems that have arisen. Some things, certainly, are beyond anyone’s control.

It is also reasonably fair to say that if such a delay occurs, nobody will be more disappointed than project leaders themselves, having devoted endless time to ensuring that the project is completed smoothly.

We hope in the dog days of summer, community members and officials can kick back, relax and enjoy a project that was done with the betterment of the community in mind — in all regards.