By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-1003205.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The city of Lexington is losing two of its under-utilized swimming pools, but could possibly replace them with other facilities.
The Urban County Council's General Government Committee voted Tuesday to approve an aquatics management plan, which calls for demolishing the Berry Hill and Constitution Park pools. Councilman George Myers, whose district includes Berry Hill, is urging the mayor's office to find money in the budget to reprogram the parks.
"If you close this pool, you've gotta do something with it. You can't just leave this eyesore there," he says.
Myers wants to see a new skatepark at Berry Hill and a baseball/softball field at Constitution Park. He says money saved by not operating the pools could help pay for the projects. Myers also estimates that a "Friends of the Skatepark" group could fundraise up to half the cost of the skatepark project, currently estimated at $300,000.
"If we could get $150,00 - which is really the money that would be a five year investment in the pool if it were to stay open - if we could get that up front, that's really all we're asking for."
The city's Chief Administrative Officer, Richard Moloney, says there is money available to tear down the pools, but he has no guarantee of future funds.
"As of right now I think the administration doesn't want to make any promises yet until we get a handle on our budget for the next couple of years," says Moloney.
Demolition at Berry Hill and Constitution Parks could begin in June. The aquatics plan now goes to the full council for consideration.
