THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 11, 1995 TAG: 9508110203
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
Chesapeake Mayor William E. Ward sees need for some public swimming pools in his city. Indeed, the city's Parks and Recreation Department plan projects construction of two large multipurpose recreation centers with indoor pools by 2010.
But Mayor Ward detects no grass-roots push for pools. Although he will argue for including pool construction when City Council next considers investing in capital improvements, he doesn't expect a positive response from his colleagues.
A clamor for at least one public pool would strengthen the mayor's hand in negotiations with his colleagues. Without a clamor, forget public pools. Chesapeake's population has exploded in the past several years - to an estimated 186,000. So has demand for municipal services: public schools, roads, water, sewers. . . . Swimming pools are low on the city's to-do list.
That could be the case for many years. Galloping growth seemingly will be the norm in Chesapeake indefinitely, despite burgeoning popular sentiment for restraints on residential development. Resistance to raising property-tax rates and sundry fees to pay for municipal infrastructure and new or expanding public services will remain robust. Meanwhile, indoor and outdoor pools at the Chesapeake Family YMCA on Greenbrier Parkway serve thousands of Chesapeake youngsters, including many children from low-income households.
But taxpayer-supported facilities providing wholesome recreational and character-building programs for young and old are highly desirable. Healthy outlets for youthful energies after school and in the summer months contribute to individual and community well-being. Public pools are especially needed in the summertime.
Norfolk constructed its first pool, in the Berkley section, nearly three decades ago, after several youngsters drowned in the Elizabeth River. Norfolk now maintains five pools.
Virginia Beach provides half a dozen pools at recreation centers. Portsmouth has one in operation and another out of operation.
Pools are expensive to build, maintain and staff. That Chesapeake taxpayers might think the city has too much on its plate to commit itself to public pools at this time is understandable. If any think otherwise, they will have to speak up. by CNB