Editor:
I am writing in response to talk of establishing another public pool in Reading (“Seeking relief,” Reading Eagle, Aug. 2).
Council members and the mayor appear eager to start, but city residents not so much. The price is likely to be astronomical. Not too long ago experts evaluated the East Reading Pool area and were given an estimate of around $12 million for upgrades.
Council and the mayor should do more to investigate the potential of the East Reading Pool area for recreation. There is a basketball court, stanchions for a volleyball net, a great pavilion for shade, a snack bar, bathrooms and a nearby fire hydrant for splash play.
Not too long ago there was strong support among city leaders to make the East Reading Pool site a happening place again, but the idea has languished. The area still has the very real potential to be a great asset to the community.
It is a fairly safe location situated along a one-way street and bounded by row homes. It’s easy to walk to, even for Olivet Boys & Girls Club kids from Pendora Park and a nearby bus route.
Apparently Schlegel Park can’t accommodate the daily crowd. That could lead people to go to the river to cool off and put themselves at risk of drowning, or go to Blue Marsh Lake, where there could be health risks due to its algae bloom.
An easy solution would be rotating passes good for swimming two or three times a week.
Sheila Ehrsam
Reading
Source: Berkshire mont