The city pool could come under new management if a proposal from one organization is accepted by Ironton City Council.

Tuesday, January 15, 2002

The city pool could come under new management if a proposal from one organization is accepted by Ironton City Council.

CYS, or Christian Youth and Seniors, petitioned council to review the group’s plans to take over the lease on the pool and develop the facility into a fitness and community center.

Eddy Foe, the group’s spokesman, said CYS would like to take over the management lease to the pool and the adjacent park and tennis courts. He said the organization would like to continue the current services to the city while expanding opportunities available to city residents.

Foe said the group’s short-term goals are to give the building’s exterior and interior a "face- lift," move in weight-lifting equipment and provide organized exercise classes, such as aerobics. He said the long-term plans are to cover the pool so the facility could be used year-round, and to enclose the tennis courts.

Foe said, "we are dedicated to provide this community with more services than it has at this time."

Foe said the group plans to charge a nominal rate for pool use during the summer, a price akin to what ha currently been charged, and offer the use of the fitness equipment and other services at a fee. Foe said the idea is to provide a fitness center to those who cannot afford the membership price to the YMCA or similar facilities. Foe said the group will also offer scholarships to those that cannot afford the price to use the equipment.

In addition to the monies charged for admission to the pool and for the use of the fitness equipment, the group, Foe said, is seeking grants to help pay for the costs. He said the group is seeking non profit status in order to seek financial aid.

Currently, the pool under lease which renews yearly unless council wishes to reopen the bid for the lease. This year’s contract has already renewed.

The group approached council about this issue at a council meeting in September and asked for a meeting. At that meeting, Ron Brown, pastor of Christ United Methodist Church told council the group wanted to provide the youth and seniors a service that is currently not offered in this community.