Pool committee now on fact finding mission

We must find what is available and what it takes to get it.

 

A group of about 15 area residents, all women, met with four members of the Yosemite High School board of trustees Monday to discuss how a community swimming pool could be built and financed.

They also tried to devise a long-term plan for its maintenance.

They discussed several workable options and will now do some fact-finding before reporting back on Wednesday, January 23, at 6 p.m. in the YHS boardroom.

They will visit the swimming pool of Central High School in the Valley on Wednesday [January 16], to see what handicapped facilities it has and what is its cost of operation.

The Mountain Area pool is likely to cost about $1.2 million. Although the pool would be built on YHS property, its funding will have to come from outside the school coffers.

It is possible that a Department of State Architect [DSA] grant could be secured, "but we must find what is available and what it takes to get it," explains trustee Dennis Adams. One committee member had heard that such grants have been as high as $1 million.

At the next YHS board meeting on Thursday [January 17], it will be determined what funds are available to apply for DSA approval for the pool. It would take about $50,000 to pay an architect to draw up plans and get them approved by the state, a process that takes about five months.

The Olympic-sized competition pool would be 25 yards by 33 meters. It would have ramp access for all ages and be handicapped accessible.

The outside pool would be heated partially by co‑gen. That is a propane engine which generates electricity to heat the water and is more economical that using commercial power.

The maintenance of the pool needs to be turned over to another agency. Options suggested include the YMCA, United Way or a county park and recreation district, which could contribute $30,000 toward the maintenance each year.

A park and recreation district would need to be OKd by the voters. The easiest way to get it on a ballot would be to have all the community-based service organizations sign a resolution and submit it to the county Board of Supervisors. The supervisors, then, would determine if it would go on the ballot.

That path would be easier than obtaining 25% of the voter’s signatures.

In the meantime, other committee members will check whether the local non-profit El Capitan Foundation can open a category through which donations could be made to the pool fund.

 "We are looking at all the options," says Mr. Adams, stressing that, The community needs to handle this one.