Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) "We're not opening Memorial Pool on Payne Avenue, this year," Mayor Austin Tylec told WBEN Monday morning.
The North Tonawanda Mayor noted that Memorial Pool was built after World War II. But over the decades, repairs have been stacking up and the cost to operate it has risen to about $200,000 for just a few months each year.
Instead, the city is looking at designing a new outdoor aquatic facility in the same area.
"We worked out a deal with the school district to continue swim lessons. We have an open swim one day of the week and we still have our little Mushroom Splash Pad for the kiddos," said Tylec.
City officials did a feasibility study in 2018 with an out of state firm, which sought public input on whether the city should repair the existing pool or build a new one.
"Ultimately, a majority of our residents wanted a new facility," said Tylec.
He noted that people are not happy that the pool is closed this summer, but many are excited about future of the park.
Many municipalities with older pools are facing the same challenges. Do they continue to pour money into these aging facilities, or do they build new ones?
In the Town of Tonawanda, officials have filled-in Brighton Pool, to make way for a new ice arena. The town has splash pads, but they decided against building a new pool.
"Pools are definitely not money makers," said Tylec. "But they're something for people to use."
City officials looked at other local community centers with ice rinks or pools.
Tylec said the majority of them ran deficits.
"Some of the facilities cost anywhere from $20-to-$30 million. They started planning a decade ago, and they're not even finished. So we're trying to find a middle ground. We are not planning on adding any crazy stuff like a big lazy river or a massive jungle gym. We're just looking for something for
residents of all ages to be able to access and enjoy. A big main pool, and a big splash pad and parking lot," added Tylec.
Mayor Tylec said a steering committee, made up of residents, department heads and the Mayor, will continue to hold meetings to determine what to do with the existing pool and gauge public input on a new outdoor facility. As for a possible timeline, he is looking at 2025 for construction to begin.
"If anyone thinks we're going to raise taxes to get this done, that's incorrect. We're applying for grants right now to apply toward a $6 million goal."
