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Kids Express Views on Pool House Renovations

POUND RIDGE, N.Y. – The Pound Ridge Town Board recently approved a $350,000 bond that will be used to reconstruct the pool house and pool at Town Park and one particular segment of the community has some strong feelings about how that job should be done – the kids.

The Pound Ridge Partnership for Kids held a forum at Blind Charlie’s Cafe this past week so that kids – the demographic that uses the pool most often – could express their feelings about the impending renovations.

It was clear from the comments the kids made at the meeting that the pool house is long overdue for a makeover. Attendees called the building “dirty" and said it needed a "frequent and thorough cleaning."  Several kids mentioned that the bathrooms are "smelly" and the floors are "wet and dirty."

"I am on the swim team and it is embarrassing, really embarrassing, when other swim teams come to our pool,” said Emma Kolsky.

Hannah Harrington, also a member of the Pound Ridge swim team, explained to the group that the "showers are freezing and practically drip the water because the pressure is so bad.”

The kids also offered up lots of ideas on how to improve the pool house.

"[It should be] painted brighter with lots of flowers planted outside,” said Ella Weinstein, a member of the Pound Ridge Partnership for Kids.

James Best, the architect hired by the town to design the renovations, said most of the children’s concerns would be addressed.

“We expect to upgrade the plumbing with water saving devices, modernize the kitchen, paint the interior and re-stain the wood on the exterior of the building, upgrade the lighting and repair all cracked or deteriorated materials,” he said.

Several moms said they wanted healthier food options at the snack bar, such as salads, smoothies, and fruit platters.

Ali Boak, a member of the town board and Pound Ridge Partnership, attended the forum and said she was impressed by what the children had to say, noting that it was a good opportunity to introduce them to the town government process.

"I was very impressed that the kids, some as young as five, who actually stood up in front of the group and gave very well thought-out ideas.,” Boak said. “They were engaged during the entire meeting. I think there are so many ways that we can involve our young citizens in our governmental process and community in general."

 

 

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