slimbolen99 (anonymous) says...

One of the hottest summers we've had on hand and the pool attendance dropped? Looks like it was a great idea to put the pool so far out of the way that no one could use it.

August 18, 2010 at 2:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

slim,
if nothing else, the water line is out there for the industrial park.

August 18, 2010 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

I agree with slim. Kids can't catch a ride way out there because their folks are working. Older bros and sisters are probably working too. OF COURSE ATTENDANCE DROPPED. DUH!

August 18, 2010 at 3:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

irishemporia (anonymous) says...

good thing they chose this summer to close the only bridge that provided safe and easy access to the pool. If it had been a record year for attendance, kids coulda been hurt.

August 18, 2010 at 3:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

Didn't that Clint Bowyer fella give some cash money for kids swim for free last Summer? Did he do the same this time? If not, I reckon that's yer problem.
'enry

August 18, 2010 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hookemhorns74 (anonymous) says...

Or maybe everyone is going somewhere else becuz they are tired of hearing that damn whistle being blown at them for every little thing. I was there once and a man swimming with his 2-3 year old daughter got a whistle blown at him becuz she was on his back with her arms around his neck. the guard told him she could not do that. He got out and left.

August 18, 2010 at 3:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hookemhorns74 (anonymous) says...

Another thing why does the pool close the day school starts. Why not keep it open on weekends until at least Labor Day. I got nothing good to say about this pool, thats why I will drive somewhere else to go to another pool. Maybe our City Gods should go to Gardner, Ks. and see how they run that pool and take a lesson or two. Also what was voted for was not what the voters got with that pool. The voters got shafted again !!! Thats why I will never vote for another improvement to this town.

August 18, 2010 at 3:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hookemhorns74 (anonymous) says...

I'm not saying more money should be put into that money pit out there, but if they made it more like a water park with a few more water features they might get a higher attendance. Hell kids just want to got swimming and with whats out there they can get at the neighbors pool, or the WATER SPRINKLER !!!! becuz thats more fun than that money pit !!!!

August 18, 2010 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

genxer (anonymous) says...

Why did they fill in Peter Pan Park pool? They could have sold that to a private buyer to service the people on that side of town! Now they don't even open up the wading pool there. This swim park was a gift to the priveleged on that side of town and they stole from the south side to get it. Viva la revolucion!

August 18, 2010 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sherryh (anonymous) says...

Ummmm I'm not sure but wasnt the pool in the same spot as last year?? So the argument of where it's at is why attendance dropped THIS year is a little silly. Now....with that said the construction is a bit of a pain...but we also had a wet and cooler June than usual....and it doesnt help that it's only open until 6 every day...and one of the hottest weekends it was closed for a swim meet....and then in the peak of the hotest part of the year it's closed for good. I would like to go this weekend with temps forecasted to be in the high 90's. I would have loved to have my son's birthday party there on sunday but again...it's closed.

August 18, 2010 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sherryh (anonymous) says...

And yes Clint Bowyer fund paid for kids again this year but unless I missed it, it was not nearly as well advertised this year. I took my kids there one afternoon I was off work and was surprised that they got in free...nice surprise.

August 18, 2010 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...

I know several moms who have told me that they will only take their kids a couple of times a season when they can make a whole day out of it because it's so expensive. Some even live on that end of town and are well-employed, but they won't pay that price for their kid to swim for an hour or two every day or even every week. Being responsible parents, they are also adverse to dropping their kids (youngest being 9 yrs. old) off there because it is so isolated from everything out there and they don't feel it's very secure or that additional help could be contacted easily or promptly, if needed.
I voted "no" on it....somehow I knew from history that the theory was better than it would turn out in practice. I've also never paid a dime to go there....mine or Clint Bowyer's, though I do appreciate his generous offer. I did go once for a private company-sponsored swim night. It wasn't a fabulous experience so we have no plans to go back.

August 18, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

anonymous2010 (anonymous) says...

Let's see why the attendance was down?They do not open until noon - and if you have kids many of them nap after lunch so you have to wait until after nap times to go - and then it is the hottest part of the day. Most of the summer temps were in heat advisories. Once you make it to the pool, the lifeguards have to take breaks for 20 minutes, two times a day. (Why can't they rotate in a break for each lifeguard rather than closing the pool?) The concession stand has one worker and always a super long line at the lifeguard break time. (Since they know almost everyone eats during the break time, open the second window and get the kids their snacks --- afterall don't they make money on concessions?)

August 18, 2010 at 4:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

anonymous2010 (anonymous) says...

I would have liked to take my youngest non-school aged kids there AFTER school started for some fun in the pool with them....but they were closed....and on early release Wednesdays to take all 4 kids....but they were closed.

August 18, 2010 at 4:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

flwrfan (anonymous) says...

This has been a conversation at my place of work....WHY DOES the pool close so early . Working people would LOVE to take their kids there for an evening swim. Would LOVE to be able to swim up to and including Labor Day weekend. We would understand shorter hours after school starts (say 3:00-8:00??).

August 18, 2010 at 7:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nks (anonymous) says...

Location, location, location. Even with a new bridge with a walking path, I dont see the numbers growing too much. The location of the JAC is laughable.

What happened to all of the Turnpike traffic that the leaders expected to draw.

Wasnt that part of their reasoning for our city leaders spending $5000+/acre for a feed lot at that location.

August 18, 2010 at 8:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

The two biggest reasons that the JAC attendance is down, in my opinion, is the location of the damned thing and as oh4theluvof (anonymous) says... " I know several moms who have told me that they will only take their kids a couple of times a season when they can make a whole day out of it because it's so expensive" . And the emphasis is on " so expensive ".

And there are plans in the works to spend another $400,000 on the " Pool in the Pasture " , sometime in the future.

August 18, 2010 at 9:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oops (anonymous) says...

It may not be the best location now, but that is the direction the city is growing, and in 20 years it might be a good location for the pool. They should've at least left one over where the one at Peter Pan Park was.

August 18, 2010 at 9:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

oops

If the spending by the Citys leaders, continues as it presently is and has and sales tax revenue continues to be stagnant or decrease and property evalutions continue to go down and property tax revenues decrease anymore, the cycle will be to raise property tax mil levys, etc., thereby causing more people to relocate out of Emporia and Lyon County, as they will not be able to afford to live or shop in Emporia. Now, what effect do you suppose that will have on future growth of Emporia, in which ever direction you wish to choose ?

August 18, 2010 at 9:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

slimbolen99 (anonymous) says...

The fair grounds or Jones Park or something like that would have been a perfect location as far as being "in the right part of town". Not many open areas other than those that are very centrally located. It's a trend in every city in the midwest, spread out and hope that the people go where you build, while at the same time, ignoring the city center where blight and crime take over.

August 18, 2010 at 9:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Kansan (anonymous) says...

I agree with anonymous2010, the lifeguard breaks are ridiculous. Come on people....$2.50 is so expensive? ...and Clint Bowyer picks up the tab for part of the summer. Where can you go to a water park of Emporia's caliber for so much less than $2.50? I think the bridge being out was a huge deterrent...should be a lesson to the city how hard road construction can be on a business...enough to put it out of business.

August 18, 2010 at 10:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nks (anonymous) says...

By them placing it on the outside of town and miles from the population center should have been their first clue.
So far it has been nothing but a huge waste of tax payer dollars and now they want to dump another $400K into it.
It doesnt matter what they put out there, it will still be inaccessable to most.

August 19, 2010 at 6:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Peanut724 (anonymous) says...

I agree with many of the statements already made. Hours should be extended to the evening so working parents can enjoy the pool as well. Another option for those kids whose parents work; or for the one car families - Free L-Cat transportation to the pool.

August 19, 2010 at 6:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tangoarmy (anonymous) says...

I would take my son on Friday (family swim) evenings because they are open till 8pm. I don't understand the mindset of closing prior to Labor Day.

I wanted to take my son more but its to darn hot to have small children outside for that long.

I can't see parents letting their children travel that far by themselves. When I was a child the city pool was easy to get to in my city not two or three miles away.

August 19, 2010 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

It's location with the bridge closed being rebuilt would be my guess for the lower attendence. If $2.50 admittance fee is too much, you might be a tightwad. Summer swimming is during the hot time of the year, it would be hot no matter where the pool is. When the pool was in the South end of town, it was "inaccessible" to those kids and their whiney parents in other parts of the city. One very hot afternoon I saw 5 young girls, in their swim suits with towels wrapped around their shoulders, walking the shoulder along Hwy 50 heading to the JAC! Talk about "what were they thinking"! I couldn't believe what I was seeing, who in their right mind would allow their children to walk along Hwy50 rather than driving them or arranging a ride?

August 19, 2010 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

I'm just thankful that "attendance" is the only thing that was "dropped" at the pool this year. One time, it looked like someone "dropped" a Baby Ruth bar at the pool. What a waste of candy!
'enry

August 19, 2010 at 10:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

REWBA (anonymous) says...

If you have to load up the kids in a car to go swimming, just as well load up a cooler, BBQ Grill, fishing poles and the dog and head out to a lake. Unlike that swimming pool in the middle of a field on the side of a toll road, you can find a shady spot at a lake.

August 19, 2010 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...

I think it's a little bit more than the $2.50 (x 3-5 people) the moms I was referring to were talking about. It was the price of concessions too. By the time you pack enough drinks to get you by, you might as well pack lunch too, and then load up the car, and then, as REWBA said, the lake is a more pleasant swim+picnic destination.
I agree with slimbolen99's post 100%. When we "expand in the direction the town is growing" we actually end up being like locusts who destroy nature and then abandon the area we ruined and move on to new. I also agree that the pool would have been better placed in Jones Park or put where the fairgrounds are and put the fairgrounds where the pool is now. I feel like the original family who donated the fairground land would have been on board with using that land to still serve the kids in the community but allowing the function to change.
Well, it's too late to re-hash all of that now. I'll just continue to not use the pool they built.

August 19, 2010 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

Here are some uncommonly sincere remarks coming from me:
1) The placement by the turnpike is smart because it is highly visible to travelers and it makes it look like there are things to do in Emporia, so more out-of-towners will see we have a "water park" and return to visit.
2) The town can't really expand further South due to flooding, so the North West location could very well become the center of town in 20 years.
3) It might be quite a distance for the kids living on the South East side o' town, but that'll happen as a town grows. In my home town, I could walk from one side to the next in under 10 minutes. In places like Kansas City, it takes you 45 minutes just to drive across town. As towns get bigger, more things will ultimately become farther away. You people want nice things in our town, but you expect them all to be right around the corner. Make up your minds, people. Do you want our town to grow and flourish or do you want it to be a small town with limited options and where everything is a 5 minute walk away?
'enry

Additionally, why don't people complain about the zoo's location? The poor kids living on the North West side of town have no chance of walking there. Maybe we should move the zoo to the fairgrounds so everyone is closer... (not really)

August 19, 2010 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kira002 (anonymous) says...

My sisters-in-law and I went most Sundays when it wasn't chilly or raining (so not much in May or June) with 9 kids in all. Loved the $5 family swim option and really wish the pool stayed open at least through Labor Day weekend. The location isn't a big deal, although we all live in the SE part of town. We do miss the wading pool at Peter Pan Park, though.

August 19, 2010 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

I thought they just fixed the wading pool at PPP... Mayve the money was to take it out? Heck, I don't know what's going on around town anymore...
'enry

August 19, 2010 at 1:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

railroadhorn (anonymous) says...

It's not just Emporia that's had problems. Americus laid off two pool managers before August and reduced hours (cutting out the Wed. and Sun. evening swims) because the pool is too expensive to operate. It's open until Labor Day I think so go there if you want to swim. Also, the 3 p.m. break is to give swimmers a chance to rest too; it's not just for the lifeguards. You got to figure in the population loss that's hit Emporia. Maybe there are fewer kids to swim? Though I don't think there are fewer kids going to school here. I went swimming once this year at the Emporia pool and I enjoyed it but the bridge being out is a pain. I would have gone more if I didn't have to drive way out of my way to get there. More evening swims would be good.

August 19, 2010 at 1:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Quack (anonymous) says...

One reason the pool is closed when it is may be the lack of trained lifeguards. There is a certification process and renewal involved, and they have to be paid, and there is a required number that must be maintained to be open for liability purposes. I think in past years just getting enough lifeguards to open was a problem. Many are kids who start school just like every other kid, so there are even fewer available to work after Labor Day

August 19, 2010 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mHale (anonymous) says...

Even if the lifeguards are students themselves they should still be able to work after school is out. And if the pool was open later into the evening- even make everyone leave at 2:30 and re-pay to enter for a 3-8pm swim--that would bring more people; maybe even enough to pay the lifeguards more, giving them a better incentive to work there during the evenings and after school starts.
I also agree about the shade- trees need to be planted, at least around the parking lot, and more shade shelters available around the pool area, maybe even shade the water on hot days. I went to the pool a couple of times last year with my son and none this year, next time I go to a pool it might be Burlington- they have a little kiddy frog slide that my son would LOVE...he wouldn't play in the sprinkler stuff here.
I also agree about the bad decisions being made about where our money is going and how much goes where (the schools should get money before the golf course). The high taxes do make it tempting to move out of Emporia and Lyon County and even this state. Other states are doing more with less, why can't we?

August 19, 2010 at 8:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

"$2.50 (x 3-5 people) the moms I was referring to were talking about."

Maybe those Moms were unfamiliar with the family pass($5 mentioned by another)? I would imagine they have water fountains available, I can't say because I've never been past their entry gates. Even if their drinks cost $3 apiece and if you stay there two hours( $5.50 per person ), that's pretty cheap entertainment/daycare in my book. That $5.50 doesn't even pay one lifeguards wages nor put a dent in the cost to run the place. IMO The locusts are the ones who move in and destroy old neighborhoods by allowing the properties to decay and drop in property tax value. People who live in the cheaper housing areas arent going to accept higher taxes which would be the end result from any improvements done to an area. That's why they aren't happening. Expansion and improvements mean higher tax collections for the city, stimulating the economy by creating jobs. It also provides options for those that value improved living conditions and are willing pay higher taxes/prices to live there. As long as there is a demand for higher end housing, it will continue to head West and the older sections of town will continue to age ungracefully. Anyone would appreciate having $300-$500 house payments and <$1000/yr property taxes like they do in SE Emporia while living in a neighborhood like Crestview Lakes. In reality that's not going to happen. The pool could have been built in the NE side of the Fairgrounds that is not currently used without having to move the fair facilities elsewhere. The only trouble with that would have been all complaints of noise and higher traffic from the neighboring homes who would whine and cry that it should have been built somewhere else besides in their backyards. People in the South and East sides of town would cry that it should have been built closer to them. Jones Park would have been too far North for those South of 15th who would insist it should be closer to 12th. In other words, no matter where they put it, people would gritch and moan about it.

Perhaps the City should investigate hiring college students needing work to run the pool in the evenings and weekends as long as the weather holds out. I'm betting there are more than a few certified lifeguards attending ESU.

August 20, 2010 at 12:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nks (anonymous) says...

SHould have put it in the Big Lots parking lot. I am sure the price per acre would have been cheaper, and it doesnt appear anything will ever occupy that space.

August 20, 2010 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

neighbor

Where do you live ? Do you even live in Emporia ? And if so where ?

You are right about people who " Have " to live in the " Cheaper Housing Areas " are not going to accept higher taxes, just because someone else who may happen to be able to live in the so called " HIgher End " housing areas, who just happen to believe they know what is " Best " for all of Emporia and its citizens and want something that is absolutely unneeded or unnecessary and force everyone to pay for what they want thru higher or extended taxes .

There are always going to be those
" Human Beings " , who just happen to be not as fortunate or have the fortune, so to speak to live in any of the " Higher End " areas. But these people, of which I am one, are still " Part and Parcel " of the " Human Race " and do not deserve to be " scourned, rejected, treated with less respect, degraded or abandoned ... just because " We " happen to not be able to live as " Oppulently " as those would be, Kings and Queens of Emporia !

I would like to apologize to Steve Corbin for using the term Kings and Queens of Emporia ... but at times someone just says something about where or how someone lives that just tends to " PISS ME OFF " .

I am no better than anyone else and noone else is better than I am, just because they may live in a so called " Higher End Area " than I or anyone else does. And the " Ages Old " attitude that " I am better and know more than you, because I am Rich and You are poor or I live in a more " Oppulent " home and a " Higher End Area " than you do is a lot of the problem with the World and is a large part of the problem right here in Emporia " .

In case noone has noticed there has been and always will be those who have " much " in the way of " material goods or money and have been and always will be those who have next to nothing in the way of material goods or money . But when the " Final End of All Things " comes, it will make no difference what you have amassed or where you live at all .

Therefore, I believe that the JAC project itself was a total waste of my and taxpayers money and spending anymore money on the " Pool in the Pasture " would also be a total waste of taxpayer money, at this time.

August 20, 2010 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

booker5m (anonymous) says...

Who own the land where the pool was put? That might tell you why it was put there.
One family in town the city keeps buying from.

August 20, 2010 at 1:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

REWBA (anonymous) says...

There was a swimming pool on the “wrong” side of town but the “Authorities” dug it up and filled in the hole hoping that the kids on the wrong side of the tracks would hitchhike to the outskirts of town and use the expensive pool out in a pasture. All the kids that I know just go over to the river at the back end of Peter Pan Park and swing off a rope into the river. They really have a lot of fun and it is always open. Best yet, it’s free!

August 20, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JIMBO1 (anonymous) says...

First of all the location was bad.Someone got their pockets very deep on the acre sale. Secondly, the old saying, "if you build it they will come". Well not so. If this park is going to maintain its operating cost and to stay in buisness than the city needs to step up to plate and start a voucher program for transportation needs for the City of Emporia children. I'm not saying start a free bee, but what I'm saying is," how about a package that includes transportation? Having several kids walk along highway 50 is very dangerous and several miles is asking for other troubles The tax payers of your local community have already paid. Certainaly someone on the planning board left out the word "TRANSPORTATION". As a former member of your community PPP had issues and yes I used the facility often when I was a child. I would have liked to see the wading pool at least stay open at the very least. Due to the cost of operating something had to go. Being in management and managing a P&L here are some ideals;

1. A package that will include some sort of transportation for everyone.
2. Extend the hours; especially for all who paid (taxes) to be able to come and enjoy. STAY OPEN
3. Be more accessible to your tax payers; and it will grow.
4. Finally, the price is not bad compared to other communities.

Thanks to all who read this.

August 20, 2010 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mslater (Matt Slater) says...

Not to say I told you so....

August 20, 2010 at 4:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oops (anonymous) says...

They just said on WIBW that we weren't the only ones with pool numbers down. Topeka was down over 7000 people at their pools. Maybe people are just holding on to their money due to the economy.

August 20, 2010 at 7:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Boom (anonymous) says...

Hmm, this is very very odd. I think it could be cause summer was so short this summer. I would not be suprised if other places such as "The Rec Center" and "The Lake" had a drop in attendance. The hottest days of summer and we still dont go swimming. Guess we could blame the schools. Cause when you cram up summer there is just to much to do in so little time. We had church, swimming, rollers, the fair, and just hanging out with friends. I dont see someone having the time and money to be doing these type of things.

August 20, 2010 at 10:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

Since my family bought My Sims Aquatic Center for our Wii we don't need to leave the luxury of our air-conditioned house. We can play My Sims Aquatic Center anytime we want. We can play My Sims Aquatic Center in our pajamas if we so choose. Video games are much better than "going" "places" and doing "things". I suspect that many people in our community and others have discovered the fun and convenience of playing video games instead of .............. whatever. That is probably why people didn't go to the pool as much. yeah

August 20, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

Meth,

Where I live is moot. This is an open forum. It is not a requirement to be an Emporia resident to post here. If you think I was looking down my nose at you or anyone else concerning their social status or financial position in what I posted previously, you couldn't be anymore wrong. It's not the first time you've read more into a post than what existed on here. You've been around in this world, today is not your first from what I gather from your numerous posts. I'm betting when you were a kid, the successful citizens held the public offices that made the taxing and important city/government decisions rather than the have nots and wish I did people. Frankly I could care less if my comments pissed you off or not, the post was not about you individually nor was it attacking anyone else. It simply stated the obvious, that is obvious to those who employ common sense.

August 21, 2010 at 1:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

REWBA (anonymous) says...

Did you know...People urinate in the public pool? No...Really!...They doooo! Lots and lots of urination and to a lesser extent...deification. Fecal matter sticks to dirty people and they come swimming too. Sorry, but public bath houses went out of style with the plague. I believe that was in the dark ages but do correct me if I'm wrong.

August 21, 2010 at 1:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th_aBz...

Have a great day!

August 21, 2010 at 7:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

neighbor

Where you live and what you are forced to pay for with your tax dollars is exactly the " Point " and not moot at all. Also I read into your post exactly what you meant to be read into it or at the very least " implied ".
Perhaps you should read your own post again and gain a little " common sense " insight into what you say .

For instance, " IMO The locusts are the ones who move in and destroy old neighborhoods by allowing the properties to decay and drop in property tax value. "

This particular part of your comment was aimed specifically at everyone one who does not nor can afford to live in a, " High End Area " or afford to keep their homes repaired as show places, to meet someone elses " demandeds or standards ", because of ever increasing tax demands. And do you mean to tell me that you do not think of those who live in the " Lower End Areas " as " Locusts " who do nothing but destroy and allow things to decay and decrease in value, just because we/they want to.

No, I don' t believe I read anything into your statement that was not meant to be there or at least " implied " .

And of course you don' t care whether your comment angers, degrades or belittles anyone else. As you think only of yourself and very highly of yourself and are one of those who does look down your " High End " nose at those who are less fortunate and struggling to try and live up to your and others selfish standards, wishes, wants and demands.

August 21, 2010 at 7:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Steve

A perfect example of a pool that is located in a specific location, that is supposed to be specifically used by the ' High End " people only. Just as was the purpose of the location of JAC .

August 21, 2010 at 8:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

It will not suprise me in the least, that sometime in the future, providing Emporia survives, that with the developing attitude of some in Emporia.
Emporia will eventually become an " Exclusive " community. With a standard that you will not be welcome to live in Emporia, unless you make a certain amount of money or have a certain amount of money ... live in a house that cost a certain amount of money and are able to drive a " High End " vehicle that cost a certain amount of money etc, etc..

August 21, 2010 at 8:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

booker5m (anonymous) says...

It wouldnt have matter where the pool was put someone wouldnt have been happy. Right now I think most people in Emporia are struggling with prices,taxes,jobs, Maybe a handful have it easy.

August 21, 2010 at 10:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

I believe you're absolutely right, booker5m. Start with grocery prices. Whenever I'm in the grocery store, I am thankful I'm not having to buy for a family anymore. Milk alone is so high, how can people buy much of it? Yes, people are struggling and one of the first things to let go is entertainment like pools and movie theatres.

Thank goodness when my kids were growing up we lived on the south side and they were able to bicycle over to Peter Pan Pool every single afternoon. They could swim for 50 cents. My oldest remarked recently about how she remembers the bowl of quarters near the front door so that all they had to do was grab a couple on their way out the door to go swimming. I remarked how they were always so honest, taking only what they needed.

August 21, 2010 at 12:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

emporian (anonymous) says...

create,
Wait till you go to other towns and check it out. Prices are alot cheaper at some grocery stores in Topeka than they are here, so if we happen to be up that way we take a cooler and stock up.

August 21, 2010 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

REWBA (anonymous) says...

Why is it called "Jones" Aquatic Center? Did this Jones dude pay for it? I thought the city took out a loan in the name of us taxpayers.

August 21, 2010 at 1:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

That's exactly what I was saying booker5m. The two-three handfuls of families that have it easy didn't get to that status sitting around crying whoa is me.

I don't live in Emporia Meth. I pay $2700 a year in property taxes on my house, $ several hundred on my land, nearly a $1000 on my vehicles, just to own property and live in Lyon Co. That tax money did not pay for our sewer service, I had to pay extra to have that installed and I have to maintain the system on my own. I had to buy a water meter, pay to have the water line installed to get running water at our home. I have to rely on volunteers to have fire department protection. It usually takes 30min. to an hour plus to have law enforcement respond to my house if I need them. It can be days or even weeks before the road is plowed open, or until the electricity is restored. I buy my goods and services in Emporia paying the same sales tax (paying I'd bet 4x what you do to feed and supply my family of four). I buy my fuel in Emporia paying high fuel taxes there as well. I work in Emporia and have large amounts of taxes taken out of my check to pay for Government desires and services. Now tell me again how your opinion weighs more on the subject at hand again Meth.

August 21, 2010 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

Rewba,

The inventor of this town's name was Emporia Arthritic Jones. That's why a lot of stuff 'round here is named after him. E.A. Jones wasn't a big man but he was awful wiry and he was quite the individual synchronized swimmer. Individual synchronized swimming never caught on and E.A. drowned in the Cottonwood river while trying to wrestle a bass that tried to swim up his trousers but his legend lives on.

August 21, 2010 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Rewba,

To continue with the story:
After E.A. passed, the insurance money was invested in lots of acerage and cattle operations. Then oil was found when a cousin, (Uncle Jed Jones) was shooting for some food. Millions were made and a foundation was formed to help out children. I think it was a Jones family member who was the 1st to use the quote:

"IT'S FOR THE CHILDREN"

The foundation kicked in about a million or two for the Jones Aquatic Center besides what the taxpayer invested.

And now you know SOME of the rest of the story.

August 21, 2010 at 4:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Now before someone jumps on me for poking fun, let me say that the Jones Foundation has spent millions of dollars in Coffey and Lyon Counties. Just about every small town around has a park or swimming pool funded by the foundation. (Think Jones Park)

Many young people have been helped with educational and medical grants and scholarships over the years.

We can all be grateful for the work the foundation has done !

August 21, 2010 at 4:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

booker5m (anonymous) says...

You 2 are killing me LOL

August 21, 2010 at 4:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

I do have a positive suggestion

HOPE ROGER HARTSOOK READS THESE BLOGS.

The reoccuring comments on here about closing times needs to be addressed by the rec. commission.

Especially now that they have their own funding.

During the summer, hours need to be extended so closing is just 30 minutes before sundown. This would give working parents time to swim with family. The peter pan pool stayed open till 8 or nine for goodness sake.

The pool hours should be changed when school starts to open at 3 or 4 and stay open until just before dark and the pool should remain open through labor day.
This would allow those students in middle and high school not involved in after school activities to walk to the pool after school and stay occupied and out of trouble.

Now correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the rec center offer life guard classes?

I am sure there are High school or University students who could be certified and work a few hours after their classes. This would be a perfect "job" for a student on a scholarship program. Maybe someone at ESU atheltics could get the ball rolling on this, if it is not already being done?

As far as shade trees go, (I think someone mentioned this), My family would be willing to donate 4 or 5 big maples if the city or rec department guarenteed they would be watered for the 1st year or 2. I know they couldn't be put close to the pool, used to have one myself and leaves are a pain in a pool. But maybe off to the side by the concession stand or something? Just my opinion but I think the rec commission should try this next year if they can and see what the publics response is.

August 21, 2010 at 6:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

neighbor

I did not say anywhere that my opinion weighs anymore on anything than your or anyones opinion ! Now who is reading something into comments.

However, I do not nor did not refer to you in any sort of degrading term, such as " Locusts that move in somewhere and do nothing but destroy and lower property values .

Now if you can point out to me in my comment to you, where I referred to you as anything other than a human being and did not give you the respect you feel you deserve as a human being I will be more than glad to issue and apology on this forum .

And, Sir, when you have personally known me and how I have had to live and have yourself had to live on a fixed income, never to see any increases in what you have to live on, then I just might let you refer to me or anyone who has to live in my particular situation a " Locust, who moves in and destroys old neighborhoods by allowing their property to deteriorate and lower property values .
But, not until you have lived and gone thru what I have had to endure for some time now.

August 21, 2010 at 10:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

neighbor

And for your information some of the families you refer to as the " two to three " families that have it easy . Actually inherited their " easy and money " status from either their Father or Mother or Both.

August 21, 2010 at 10:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...

Very generous, Steve. You should be on the Parks and Rec. commission. You have a good head for practical solutions and money management.

August 21, 2010 at 11:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

oh4theluvof,

Read you kind post to the wife and she laughed and said

"money management?
oh4 should see your checkbook".

But in my above post I just tried to stay positive and offer suggestions that could maybe work. They might not but to keep running the pool like it has been doesn't look viable to me.

August 22, 2010 at 8:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

"As you think only of yourself and very highly of yourself and are one of those who does look down your " High End " nose at those who are less fortunate and struggling to try and live up to your and others selfish standards, wishes, wants and demands."

Save your apology, it's unnecessary, and unneeded .

August 22, 2010 at 9:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

emporian, good idea to stock up when out of town where prices are lower. I would too if I were feeding a family. This is why Sam's is so busy.

Back to the pool discussion...my grandchildren are in Wichita today at the water park down there. I gave them spending money. Several parents are driving a bunch of friends for a last of the summer outing. Cheaper and more fun than here. What a shame, Emporia. Why must we always be short on plans and long on losses?

Had we built a really, really nice water park with lots of features and parking, we could have been something. We coulda been a contendah.

August 22, 2010 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

neighbor

Very well ! However that comment, in no way referred to you as anything other than a human being, with human short commings just as I, as a human being also have my short commings . But I never referred to you as a " Locust " or any other demeaning " thing " .

August 22, 2010 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

Likewise I never referred to you specifically as a locust, you put yourself into that scenario. Big difference between limited health and resources, and those that use and abuse the system. The ones I referred to as locusts are the ones who move into a decent neighborhood, live ghetto style, never paying bills, trashing the property and neighborhood, then move on to the next neighborhood starting it all over again. They are not race or gender specific, they are white, black, brown and yellow, they are male and female. Most are perfectly capable of being productive citizens, but have chosen their lifestyle instead.

August 22, 2010 at 5:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Methusla, I believe neighbor used the term "locust" merely as a general reference.

In fact, I don't have a problem with neighbor's use of the term because it is a perfect description of what has been happening in many older neighborhoods, mine included. People who have been taking good care of their property for years and years are faced with making a decision of whether to stay after neighboring houses deteriorate at alarming rates. Once proud homes get filled up with multi families, none of whom care one whit for the property. Either that or they don't understand upkeep.

Yes, they are all kinds of people who have chosen this careless and irresponsible lifestyle to prey on the rest of us -- yes, like locusts. They have no pride and no class. They just exist. People like me who have invested heavily in their homes must stay or lose beau coup bucks.

My goodness, the Gazette just recently printed an entire series on just that subject. We've been all through this.

Bravo, neighbor.

August 23, 2010 at 7:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...

methusla,
I don't want to leave neighbor to take the heat for what I started. I was the original one to use the term "locust" in this thread in my August 19, 2010 at 11:09 a.m. post. In his post the next day, neighbor was giving his opinion of who the "locusts" are as his opinion differs from mine. His opinion is resident-specific, where mine is more generalized to include the spending trends of "progressive growth" by our city government combined with the "disposable" mentality of many real-estate owners.
At any, rate, no one was directing at any one person, but at mentalities--whether individuals or city management. I'm sorry that my terminology caused a fight to break out.

neighbor,
I'm sorry I didn't interject earlier. Thanks for not throwing me under the bus to deflect the heat you were taking. I do see your point of view, but I hold to my belief that the ones who view old neighborhoods as "disposable" are just as guilty as the owners and tenants who let it crumble around them. I just happen to know that many of the houses in the newer neighborhoods are being trashed on the insides by the people who formerly lived closer to Prairie St. and before that, nearer to Rural St. These are people who make plenty of money (not the ones who I was saying wouldn't use the pool frequently) and it takes them about ten years in each place to run down the interiors while they wait to be able to upgrade to "newer and better." They slap a coat of paint on it, install the cheapest new carpet they can get away with to disguise what their kids and pets did, and move on. The next buyers find the true extent of the damage done after moving in and they are discouraged. They can either pour money in to repair ten years worth of plumbing/sewer issues, hidden water damage, finding the odors that were covered by the new carpet, and the natural aging issues in foundations and walls, or they can let it keep deteriorating as they save up money to move on, knowing they're probably going to have to take a loss because it won't sell until market is down or unless they put it on the market that low.
The next ones in line...the ones who don't even bother mowing regularly, are the ones who take the heat, but it usually starts with the first ones. I'm just saying.

My husband and I bought into a neighborhood that never did have rich people in it. It only ever had average people in it who knew they would be here for decades. As a result, our house and all the owner-occupied ones surrounding it were and are kept in good repair, but it will never be a show neighborhood. I'm okay with that. Keeping up with the natural age issues of an otherwise cared-for home of smallish square feet is plenty for us and I think it was for the former owners too.

August 23, 2010 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

oh4,

Not a problem. I have broad shoulders and thick skin.

I have lived in the Emporia area my entire life, swam in indoor pool on the C of E campus that is no longer there, in the old indoor Rec Center pool that used to be at the corner West of the OLD BOE building, at the PPP pool when it was there, but have not been to the JAC just yet. Each location had issues and people crying that they were being left out. As I said in a previous post, no matter where they put the pool, someone would have complained about it's location. Locusts are everywhere in Lyon Co. It's not just a city thing.

August 23, 2010 at 5:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

I have a couple of questions about labeling someone, anyone as " Locusts " and then I will let the subject drop.
1. Since my sister and I are doing the best we can to maintain our home, although, be it, not quite to the standards of some and since we can neither afford to hire the maintenance done and since taxes will undoubtedly increase after the first of the year and we will not be able to spend what we would like to meet the standards of others. Does or should that, put us in the catagory of " Locusts ", even though our home has been lived in and owned by family for over 80 years ?
2. Do the wealthy rental landlords who let their rentals rundown and decay, also qualify as being " Locusts " ?
3. Do those who continually rent these rundown rentals from the wealthy rental owners, also qualify as being " Locusts " ?

I was just wondering, as I need some clarification on exactly what qualifies someone as being labeled a " Locust " .
Is the term " Locust " a general all encompassing term or a specific term aimed at someone in particular ?

I will say no more .

August 23, 2010 at 9:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...

methusla:
For my part, I would say that a locust is anyone who uses up a property without investing anything into it and then abandons it for another place to use up. This can apply to owner-residents, slumlords and tenants. Think of what the insect does, and that would be how I define it. If a person has lived in a place for a lifetime, invested into it as they could (time, energy and money) and isn't looking to move on to a new place to "devour" then I would not call them locusts.

August 24, 2010 at 12:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Excellent definition. I agree.

No, methusla, you and your sister are not locusts since you have lived in your home for a long time and invested in it what you could afford. It is obvious you don't plan on just using it up until it falls apart then moving on.

BTW, it was said earlier that the term "locust" was not airmed at anyone in particular.

August 24, 2010 at 5:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Yesterday I was looking on the county appraisers site to see what my property taxes had done lately. Really didn't need to, of course they are up. But then I started to check on our city commissioners homes.

Guess what, 4 out of the 5, their home property taxes were down for 2009,
(the last year listed).
didn't check zimmies, wonder what his did?

August 24, 2010 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

Locust= One who moves into a neighborhood or home, then not paying the bills for several months. They trash the home and yard with junk vehicles, have old furniture about the outside, leave piles of garbage bags and or beer cans everywhere. They have multiple neglected dogs, chickens, cats and other mess making pets that arent taken care of. Many are felons or commit felonies while on public assistance and living in subsidized housing. When the rules or the law catch up with them, they leave the area only to do the same thing in another nice neighborhood under another family member's name or under a false name. Well maintained established neighborhoods are not exempt from their attacks. Housing assistance programs rent homes based on need not price nor energy efficiency. They often pay rent on homes that tenants have zero chance of being able to afford the cost of with high utilities, $4-$500 a month gas bills etc. The locusts move in anyhow being the irresponsible people they are because they too want to live in nice areas but refuse to put any legal effort into being able to afford the cost to live there. When the bills start piling up, they pay back society for the help they have been given by trashing the place before they disappear late one night before the bill collectors, paper servers, or law enforcement can catch up with them.

Steve- Mine goes up every year too, amazing considering the market drop.

August 24, 2010 at 5:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Same here on our property tax bill, it went up approx. 40%. And the bad thing is, it will go up again approx. 3.55 mils after the first of the year !

So much for no property tax increases.

August 24, 2010 at 10:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Kinda makes me wonder if it will be worth it to finish installing the rest of the vinyl siding on the house ? Hell, if I do, we may not be able to afford to pay the property taxes, come next year !
I won' t have to buy anymore vinyl siding, as we bought enough to completely do the house a few years back. The problem is, my uncertain health situation makes for taking a lot longer to get it done . But I will continue to do what I can, when I can and just hope I will live long enough to get it done ... for my sisters sake, as she is 13 years younger than I am, and I don' t want her to have to worry about peeling paint or having to be on a ladder to paint, etc..

August 24, 2010 at 10:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Farmersdaughter (anonymous) says...

I have one little thing to say about JAC- as a parent i found that this year was NOT ENJOYABLE out there. I understand "its for the children" BUT they need to consider who pays for those children to swim... THE PARENTS. As parents we are no longer allowed to have chairs in the edge of the water and the "Lazy" River is a speedway full of kids out of tubes now. I find absolutely no relaxation in that place. We usually purchase summer swim passes but next year we'll likely do something else.

August 25, 2010 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )