New pool committee looks to reorganize

The New Pool Committee, a committee that originally set out to fix Emswiler Pool or build a new pool in Ekalaka, was formed in the spring and summer of 1995 with the first meeting being held November 7th, 1995. Emswiler Pool was originally constructed in the early 1960s.

The committees purpose, as described at the time, was "to determine the extent of the problem and to gather information to present to the Town Council. Some things that we will be doing is consulting an engineer to look the situation over and give us their opinion, looking into different construction methods to replace the pool or repair the damage, the cost, and methods of obtaining funds for the project. We realize that we have no authority or power to make a final decision on this project and our purpose for organizing is to help the Town with the time consuming task of gathering the necessary information for them to make a decision" whether to construct a new pool in Ekalaka.

In December of 2015, the committee reported having received over $134,000 in contributions towards the project. By September of 2017, that number was over $182,000. Currently, there is around $282,000 for a new pool in Ekalaka.

Problems at Emswiler Pool have only worsened since 1995. Some of these problems include cracks, leaks, depth, filtration systems, and multiple issues concerning safety. Continued deterioration of the pool and bath house will lead to the eventual closure of a pool if nothing is done.

Nearly 30 years since it was created, the new pool committee is looking to become more active again. Many members feel that fresh, new faces might again give the committee some momentum.

All who would like to have a voice in the future of a pool in Ekalaka should plan on attending a reorganizational meeting for the new pool committee, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on March 6th at the town office in Ekalaka. A regular town council meeting will follow the pool committee meeting.