Frackville swimming pool almost ready for opening
May 15—FRACKVILLE — Many people said a new borough community pool could not be done. Others said it would not be done. It was.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance to the Frackville Community Pool was held at 3 p.m. Friday to celebrate the pool's completion at the Memorial Park Complex.
The ceremony was the prelude to the actual opening, which is tentatively scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, though no date has been set.
The ceremony was moderated by borough council President Ronald Jordan and included local and state dignitaries and some local residents.
People marveled at the pool and the work that had been done. The clear water stood out from the white of the pool.
Lifeguard chairs were placed around the deep end. In the children's end, there were places where water jets shot up. Though they didn't enter the pool, kids ran through some of the jets.
Jordan said: "What an amazing accomplishment. ... The Frackville community has a swimming pool once again. Much hard work went into getting this project started and to reach the finish line."
He added that the council appreciates the support for the pool, along with the help from the federal, state and local officials.
Speaking about the project were state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township; retired state Rep. Neal P. Goodman; Nathan Gerace, field representative for U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9; Spiro Kasapidis, Mid Penn Bank vice president/commercial loan officer; and Director Tom Ford, state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
Cutting the ribbon were Mayor Kim Phillips and members of Frackville Public Spaces — originally named the Frackville Community Pool Committee — that included President Karen Domalakes, Councilwoman Helen Miernicki, Suzanne Domalakes, JoAnne Klemow and Judy A. Ragazinsky.
The old pool, constructed in 1978, hasn't been open since 2014 after an engineering study found major problems.
In September 2019, Premier Pool Renovations, Plymouth Meeting, submitted the low bid of $922,245, which included removing the old pool and building the new one at the same site; installing new perimeter fencing; constructing and outfitting a new filtration building; and installing landscaping.
A second contractor, Heim Construction Co., Orwigsburg, was awarded the contract at $378,156 for the construction of a new bathhouse, which includes changing areas, restrooms, a concession stand and a storage area.
The project received two state grants totaling $942,000.
In addition to the grants, local organizations and individuals donated to the project. The final cost has not been determined.
The plan was to have all work completed in time for the traditional opening last year, but due to COVID-19 restrictions and other delays, the opening was eventually rescheduled for this year.
Butler Township resident Carol Twardzik, wife of state Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, attended the event and brought her scrapbook, which included newspaper clippings about the opening of the previous pool.
A lifeguard there at age 16, she also brought along her whistle, which she sounded at the ribbon-cutting.
"That's me, and Joe Huth was the manager," Twardzik said while pointing to a photo. "I think the opening of this pool is just as exciting as the last one. This is new beginnings, and it brings the community together."
Miernicki, who is also the chairwoman of the Frackville Economic Development Taskforce, said the Memorial Day weekend opening look good, but it depends on obtaining certifications and having enough lifeguards to comply with state regulations.
Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023
