Pool house gets a makeover

MINSTER - Pouring rain and rumbling thunder did not stay village councilors from their appointed rounds - viewing work underway at the Minster Municipal Pool - prior to their Tuesday night meeting.

The interior of the pool house has been transformed from what Village Administrator Don Harrod describes as a "dingy, congested area" to one that is bright and open.

Work began in November as village employees, under the direction of Jim Kemper, gutted the interior. The timing was ideal as the winter months are often slower for some departments.

New plumbing, electrical wiring and lighting were added during the ensuing months while white glassboard sheeting and blue trim replaced the original tile. Coordinating blue paint covered interior doors with lighter blue curtains installed in each shower opening. Even the floor received much-needed attention with a speckled surface painted over the concrete.

"The pool was built in 1969 and dedicated in May 1970," Harrod said. "This is the first major work done inside the pool house since it opened."

Benches and lockers will be installed in the dressing rooms with new countertops added in the office/concession stand area.

Although he has no firm figures at hand regarding project costs, Harrod pointed out completing the work "in house" saved considerable dollars as the village did not have to pay prevailing wages, which are typically 25 percent higher.

"I like what I see," councilor Steve Kitzmiller said after viewing the improvements. "It certainly has come a long way. While the pool is not a big moneymaker for the village, it certainly is an asset to the community."

Mayor Dennis Kitzmiller agreed, adding "We have a good pool that we are trying to improve and make more attractive."

Work continues outdoors as weather permits. An original cast iron drain line is being replaced with PVC pipe before the big yellow digger and piles of dirt disappear from the landscape.

"The old line was corroded and pitted with holes," Harrod explained. "We did not have enough pressure so this should improve water turnover in the pool."

Two additional spray features will be added to the kiddie pool prior to the scheduled Memorial Day weekend opening. Harrod expects positive comments similar to those heard when the first spray feature debuted last year.

Officials continue to receive requests for a fiberglass water slide like those at newer pools in the area. They have applied for a Minster Fraternal Order of Eagles grant to cover the estimated $14,000 cost.

"It will be a spiral slide and not a three-story one," Harrod added.

Councilors are considering decorative fencing to replace the current chain link but no decision has been made as yet. Harrod will contact Superior Aluminum regarding the purchase of 1,000 feet of fence and assorted gates with village employees doing the installation. A previous estimate covering material and labor pegged the cost at $32,000.   

The pool house will open in early May with an employee on hand to sell season tickets during daytime hours.