Freeport pool in jeopardy

FREEPORT — Unless its supporters can find $600,000 by Oct. 31 in order to repair it, the 41-year-old Freeport Area Community Pool appears destined to remain closed.

If the money isn't obtained, the pool ownership will revert back to the Freeport Community Park Corp. It may be demolished, said Community Pool Association President Gregg McQueen. He said the organization will be disbanded once the pool is turned over.

Freeport Community Park Corp. treasurer Francis Laube said Monday it's too early to comment on what will happen if the pool is turned over.

The pool did not open this summer because of its condition.

McQueen said the steel walls are rusting, the filtration system needs replaced and the roof over the locker rooms leaks.

Officials were forced to close the pool this summer after exploring all options, McQueen said.

At one time, 100 to 150 people used the pool each day, he said.

The association applied for state money but it's not eligible for many grants because it's not operated by a municipality.

State Rep. Jeff Pyle, R-Ford City, said he had heard months ago that the pool was having financial problems, but he said he hasn't been approached recently about the issue. He said there may not be much that can be done at the state level.

"In this budget year, it would be tough to find money for a swimming pool," Pyle said.

The three communities it serves — Freeport, Buffalo Township and South Buffalo — were approached several years ago about funding the pool and forming a joint committee to operate it.

However, the request didn't gather enough support.

Freeport Council President Jim Seagriff said Freeport voted for the measure in 2000, but the other two municipalities didn't go along.

He said the borough is also very much in support of the pool, but because it doesn't own the property there's not a lot officials can do.

"We have no choice but to shut it down," a disappointed McQueen said. "We're at a dead end. We can't get community support to do anything."

McQueen said it's frustrating because he got on the board 10 years ago with the hopes of the pool being around for his grandchildren.

"It's a beautiful pool," McQueen said. "It can be renovated."

Jason Walker can be reached at jawalker@tribweb.com.