Though once a community treasure, the pool at Butler Memorial Park has deteriorated for well over a decade into an eyesore.

This past week, it was difficult — as it nearly always is with a place that’s packed full of memories — to see the structure struck down by a wrecking ball. But what would have been worse would be to have watched it further crumble for another decade.

Even another year or two would have been too much.

The pool had reached a point where it wasn’t going to be renovated and refilled. In an article published in Friday’s edition of the Butler Eagle, Butler building code official John Evans explained how the structure was “getting past the point of no return.”

The pool had closed in 2004. And the longer it sat empty and unused, the less chance it had of being salvaged.

Realistically, any chance of reopening the existing version of the space has long come and gone. At this time, the roof was starting to fail, and there were other safety issues.

Demolition in this case represents a new potential for the space.

And with a grant to boot, it’s certainly the time to make this happen.

The Butler County Redevelopment Authority submitted a grant application to the Department of Community and Economic Development for $100,000 on behalf of the city last year.

The city then received about eight bids for the demolition project.

The result? The demolition is entirely covered by the grant.

If weather holds out, all should be down and the pool filled in before Christmas. Everything will then be seeded for spring.

The space will become a green space for now, but the city expresses intentions to look at some alternatives in the coming years.

According to Evans, the city may pursue grant opportunities to further develop the green space, possibly with a focus on recreational opportunities.

We hope that intention does indeed come to fruition, that this new potential for the space is indeed fulfilled.

Further, we hope the community is included in any future plans for the space.

Perhaps our children and grandchildren can come to create memories there one day.

Different memories, but memories nonetheless.

— TAL