Patton Park Pool project questions?

Here are a few questions gathered from citizens around town for our town officials about the proposed Patton Park Pool proposal.

Patton Park Pool Project Questions?

1.   The Recreation Department is a joint Hamilton and Wenham department. What happens if the town of Wenham decides not to contribute to the pool project? Why should Hamilton foot the whole bill?

2.   The pool facility is only used for approx 3 months of the year and serves about 250 to 300 people on a regular basis. Why isn’t there a more reasonably priced option ($2.1 to $3.5 million is way over the top) for a family style pool and remodeled bathhouse that the park program children can use? There are many pools nearby that can be used for swim meets and practice such as Asbury Grove (Olympic pool), Gordon College Bennett Center, Ipswich YMCA, Beverly YMCA, Beverly Athletic Center, Manchester Athletic Club, Lydon Aquatic Center Danvers, etc.

3.   Operations:  (A) How much will it cost to maintain and operate the new facility? (B) Will new employees need to be hired to run it? (C) And which town would do the hiring? (D) Will both towns share the maintenance and operating expenses? (E) How much will insurance cost?

4.   Funding: (A) Will there be some private funding? (B) Will there be some CPA funding? (C) CPA funding from both towns? (D) How will this project affect our already too high property tax rate in Hamilton and Wenham?

5.   How many small towns in Massachusetts have their own municipal pool? Answer – none! Click on link for confirmation: (http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/recreational-activities/swimming-pools-wading-pools-and-spray-deck.html )

6.     Has an engineering and septic study been done to confirm feasibility of such a large project?

7.     Has a traffic study been done to measure the impact and safety issues?

8.     Is this the optimum location for such a large pool? What research has been done for other locations?

9.     What may happen if the area is flooded in the spring, as so often happens?

10.                       Where is the information about the study saying a larger pool is wanted by the townspeople?

11.                       Is there data available on how much income the larger pool may provide? If 300 families pay $100 for use of the pool, will $30,000 cover expenses and maintenance?

12.                     Another option should be considered…. Fill the pool in. A $3 million amenity that is used 3 months of the year is an extravagance we cannot afford in towns where the property tax rate is already out of sight.