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Ogdensburg pool will be free to public all summer; city eyes grant to improve facilities

Posted 6/25/24

OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg's city pool will be free to the public thanks to a donation from the St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union.

The pool opened last week as a heatwave swept the county and was …

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Ogdensburg pool will be free to public all summer; city eyes grant to improve facilities

Posted

OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg's city pool will be free to the public thanks to a donation from the St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union.

The pool opened last week as a heatwave swept the county and was open at no charge to the public  through Sunday June 23.

However, at the Monday city council meeting Mayor Michael Tooley shared news of the $8,000 donation from the local credit union and offered praise to the administration and board of trustees.

It comes at a much needed time in Ogdensburg, which has struggled with financial woes in the wake of major projects, changes in the sales tax formula and delayed repairs on a number of city properties.

Although open and functional the city pool and surrounding facilities are dated and could use a variety of improvements.

One of which is to catch up with American Disabilities Act regulations.

Interim City Manager Andrea Smith said the city will be seeking a grant of up to $5 million that could allow for a number of improvements including a bathhouse, new lockers rooms and potentially the addition of a splash pad.

The NY SWIM program would require a 20 percent match, which would be about $1 million if the city was awarded the max $5 million.

The deadline for the grant is mid-July with an award announcement expected in August.

Ogdensburg City Council recently offered praise to city staff, especially the Department of Public Works for fast tracking repairs and getting the pool open in time for summer break.

The city has been working to provide a regular summer program without a recreation director. DPW Director Shane Brown and Interim City Manager and Planner Andrea Smith have been handling the duties.

Swimming Lessons

With help of the Ogdensburg Zonta Club the city will also be offering swim lessons Tuesday through Friday from 8-11:30 a.m. Lessons are available to children ages 4-14. Cost is $30 per student and testing groups will be held July 2 and 3. Lessons will be held July 9 through Aug. 9.

Pool Parties

Pool parties are also being offered through the Recreation Department from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays beginning June 22 and ending August 18.

The two-hour span would occur prior to public swimming opening at noon on the weekends. Cost is $75 an hour.