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Future remains uncertain

Citizens seek return of outdoor pool

By Erik Buchinger


The Clintonville Park & Recreation Committee discussed the closed municipal outdoor swimming pool during its meeting on Monday, Aug. 6.

Chairman Steve Kettenhoven said he would like to see the pool return to use in some aspect within the next few years.

“I’m so used to being there for years and years and years, and all of a sudden it’s gone,” Kettenhoven said. “People can go to a hotel or go to the high school if they want to swim. Nothing against that, but I just think the advantages of having an outdoor pool gets kids outside rather than where it is now where kids are inside watching video games.”

Don Jirschele said keeping up an outdoor pool can be costly, and similar-sized cities such as New London and Shawano eliminated their outdoor pools.

“I’m not real big into the pool,” Jirschele said. “It’s all right, but when it’s open 54 days of the year and you’re spending all that money on that pool, you’re losing about $100,000 a year on that pool every year. That’s OK because it’s being used. It’s a very valuable piece of property, but that’s something we’ve got to look at.”

Jim Supanich said there are many advantages to having an outdoor pool.

“We’re trying to attract more people into the city,” Supanich said. “We’re also trying to keep families that are here, and some of the concerns are recreational facilities for the kids especially in the summer. Plus with the draw from outside for additional spending in the city, there’s a lot of reasons why a pool would be good.”

The pool was closed in 2015 after a storage building was heavily damaged in a fire, which was discovered by a staff member after it was over. The Wisconsin Department of Justice ruled the cause is “undetermined” in 2016.

Citizen wants to save pool
Stephanie Hintz started a Facebook group called “Save the Clintonville Pool,” which has more than 550 members, and launched a GoFundMe page to help raise money for it. She spoke during the public comments portion of the meeting, encouraging the city to put a dollar amount on what it would take to open the pool within the next few years.

“The biggest concern is the budget not lining up with the talks,” Hintz told the Tribune-Gazette. “Everybody keeps saying we’re going to do something, and then I look at these numbers, and think that’s exciting, but how? How are we going to make this happen?

“I think it should be renovated and improved to be a multi-purpose aquatic center that serves all people. Hopefully we could find opportunities to generate more revenue with concessions, T-shirts, goggles and stuff like that to help bring in more money.”

Hintz said businesses in Clintonville have agreed to pledge funds toward the pool but said she is waiting on the city’s decision.

Hintz said she decided to get involved because of her friend, Jason Dickelman.

“His family went to that pool quite a bit, and that’s how I met them,” Hintz said.

In 2014, the pool needed repairs to fix some cracks.

“He had heart disease and died in surgery in 2014,” Hintz said. “Before he died, he said he hopes they fix it because that was one of the few things he could do recreationally with his family. They fixed the cracks that summer, but he didn’t have the chance to enjoy that, so that kind of hit home.

“I have heart disease in my family, and I know swimming is a heart-healthy activity. I thought this was something we could all rally around and bring everyone together.”

Sandy Loberg was in attendance at the meeting. She said having a community outdoor pool can keep children busy during the summer months.

“My main concern is to consider the kids,” Loberg said. “I still have an interest of what happens to the young kids here. I can see idle time for them as not such a good thing for them.”

Hintz said the community could help out by telling city officials the pool is important to them.

“I think the biggest thing is to be present and let their alderperson know, let the mayor know, let the administrator know and say this is important, and I’m willing to help support it,” Hintz said. “If we have fundraisers, they actively help support that. If we can get the city on board, it’s still going to take a tremendous amount of commitment from the community to rally up the funds to get the job done.

“The first pool in 1961 was completely funded by private donations. We’re at a different time and place now, but I don’t think that it’s totally out of reach to at least help supplement that.”

Hintz said she is not sure what will ultimately happen with the pool.

“I’m kind of on the fence. A lot of people say they want something, but are they really willing to go the extra mile and help out? I have concerns there,” Hintz said. “I think if the community knew the city was onboard with working together on it, they would step up and help get the job done.”

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