Save the Pool
City budget crunch threatens Americus’ summer social center
By Brandy Nance
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
AMERICUS — The Americus city pool isn’t simply a place to go swimming. It’s a place for kids to hang out and a safe place for parents to send their kids during the summer.
Despite high winds blowing pool water across the road, the pool was full last week as kids swam, talked and ate. More than 40 kids were soaking up the sun, laughing, talking and splashing.
Despite good attendance, the Americus pool is in jeopardy of being shut down. Costs of maintaining the aging pool, which was built in the 1970s, and budget constraints have prompted local residents to form a committee to raise money to support the pool.
Lacie Hamlin, chairwoman of the Save the Pool committee, said that issues with the pool, along with the city’s budget crunch, prompted the community to do something. She said the pool was at the top of the chopping block as the city was looking for ways to save money. The Save the Pool committee’s goal is to raise $20,000 by the end of the summer, Hamlin said.
“That would help in maintenance and repairs,” she said.
Nobody wants the pool saved more than the people who use it. Nathan Campbell, 14, of Americus, said he enjoys just hanging out with his friends.
“If the pool wasn’t here, I’d be sitting around at home,” Campbell said.
Brian Hultgren, 14, of Americus, said he comes to the pool every day.
“I enjoy being with my friends,” Hultgren said.
Hultgren said if the pool wasn’t open, he wouldn’t be able to stay in Americus for the summer.
“I would to go my (grandparents’) in White City,” he said.
For others, the pool is a way to stay in shape during the summer.
“If there was no pool, I’d be sitting at home getting fat,” said Teeino Tabares, 14, of Americus.
Sydney DeLong came to the pool from Admire.
“I come a lot in the summer,” DeLong said. “I’d probably be sitting at home watching TV (without the pool). I like coming here more.”
Dodie Doudna, who lives outside of Americus, was there with her children, Cali, 5; Abby, 9; and Hudson, 8.
“It’s very important,” she said as the children played in the pool near her, splashing and laughing. “There’s nothing else to do in town. You don’t have to go very far. It’s great to have something for them here.”
Belinda Hamlin, pool manager, emphasized the importance of keeping the pool open.
“There’s no way to stress how important the pool is to the community,” Hamlin said. “Yesterday we had 76 kids here. We’re like a baby-sitter, a close-knit community.”
Caitlin McGuire of Emporia has served as a lifeguard at the pool for two years.
“I like how we know all the kids,” McGuire said. “It’s not as busy as Jones (Aquatic Center in Emporia) is. Without the pool, lots of these kids would have nothing to do on summer days.”
Tyler McClellan of Allen also is in his second year as a lifeguard.
“It’s really important to keep it,” McClellan said. “The kids helped with a penny drive so I know they want it (open).”
How to help:
• There will be a car wash from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Auto Zone on Sixth Avenue in Emporia. For more information or to volunteer, call (620) 443-5744.
• A softball tournament is being organized for July 21. For information or to sign up, call Josh Hamlin at 341-0842.
• For information on the committee, to volunteer or donate money, e-mail Lacie Hamlin at lacie_hamlin@yahoo.com or call (620) 481-0213.