A mental health facility could replace the Upper Darby High School pool, surprising residents, writes Pete Bannon for the Daily Times.
The school board is considering three options for the pool: short-term maintenance, a $12.4 million renovation, or removal, using the space for a mental health support facility.
The proposals triggered a reaction from members of the Upper Darby Swim Committee, who started a Change.org petition to keep the pool. The petition has already secured 3,000 signatures.
Removing the pool would place the high school swim team’s future in doubt and would take away a healthy option for children, pool supporters say.
“We absolutely cannot let this school district take something else away from the community, our kids, and the future of multiple swim programs,” said Katy Marucci, boys’ swim team head coach.
Drexel Hill resident Kevin Kramer, who started the petition, has a daughter on the high school swim team.
“For many of the kids, this is where they all learned how to swim. It was an amazing resource,” Kramer said.
Running the pool costs about $36,000 annually, with 10 to 14 repair/maintenance work orders coming in at another $25,000 to $35,000.
Find out more detail about the three Upper Darby High School pool options in the Daily Times.
