The indoor option seems far too expensive and is estimated to lose $400,000 per year which is unacceptable. Also I don’t like the idea of spending my summers swimming with my kids indoors rather than out in the sunshine. Option 4 with the 25 meter pool will mean that the local aqua club, one of the largest in Pennsylvania, will have no where to practice or hold events since their events require a 50 meter pool. Its somewhat lower cost does not justify losing that important aspect of our pool.

So I would like to see us move forward with option 3 to build the outdoor 50 meter pool and leisure pool.

Steve Chew

First, I’m very pleased to see the zero-depth entry getting consideration. It is the reason we choose Dormont pool over Mt. Lebanon. My daughter, who is very timid when it comes to water, loves to determine the depth she’s comfortable with and “ease in” to the deeper water with me. This summer my mother, also a Mt. Lebanon resident, came to Dormont pool with us and had a ball. Being in her 60’s and not in the best health, she hadn’t been swimming in ages and really enjoyed herself. I think zero-depth is appealing to young and older residents and I would love to see it.

I also agree that it doesn’t need to become Sandcastle. What we have is fine with some upgrades while keeping general footprint of the pool. I would favor a larger pool in the hopes that it would become a more popular destination when completed and there would be plenty of room for families, serious swimmers, zero-depth entry, etc. The dressing room hasn’t changed in 30 years and is a little scary, but I would hope a new building is a given.

The two things that I personally would like to see are the restrictions on floating toys changed and more diving boards. Like I mentioned, my daughter is timid in the water and the arm floaties, rings, etc. are a great comfort to her. She calls Lebo the “not fun pool” because of the freedom at Dormont to bring in whatever she needs. Floaters can’t be limited to just the “baby pool” which is an insult to a child like mine. The “just do it” mentality is old. Some kids need more time.

Lastly, I learned to dive on the three different height diving boards that used to be at Mt. Lebanon. It took a whole summer to conquer the highest one, but I did. Kids can’t learn if they don’t have an opportunity to do so. I’m not sure I understand why diving boards have all but disappeared, but they need more than one.

Thanks for listening and good luck to all in making these decisions for a new pool for Lebo. It’s time, and I trust that the interests of all residents will be considered making our pool once again a great place to be.

I am single with no children but I still pay the same high property/school taxes of Mt Lebanon that people with children do so this is one way that I could see some value from my property taxes.

The weather is what it is, in Pittsburgh. An outdoor pool is a 3-months-per-year facility. Taxes in Mt. Lebanon (and PA) are too high. The record of government, with respect to doing what it says, within the budget allowed, is poor. If a recreation facility could be operated at a profit, in a given area, some businessman or group of investors would be doing it and making a profit.

With Sandcastle (and several other public pools) within about a 30 minute drive from Mt. Lebanon, I think it’s important to identify how much each household is willing to pay (now AND in the future) in tax increases, for the privilege of having our own “Aqua Center” right here. In addition to the cost of designing, building, and operating such a facility, the municipality will have to cover the associated insurance premiums, utility bills, and other ancillary costs. Many of these costs will be ‘buried in the budget’, each as a part of a larger number or line item. The ice rink is NOT a money-maker.

I see a disturbing trend playing out in the South Hills lately: each municipality seems to feel that it MUST have every “nice thing” that any neighboring municipality has. Local governments are playing their taxpayers off against one another. “What’s the matter with you? The town next door has one – WE NEED ONE!”

No one is a greater proponent of exercise & fitness than me. However, the percentage of the municipal population that will use such a facility must be weighed in a cost/benefit analysis. Also, the apparent lack of coordination between the proponents of the indoor (high school) and outdoor (rec center) pools is troubling. If a 50 meter lap pool is to be provided to the community by the taxpayers, it makes more sense that it should be indoors. And, please be considerate of the tax burden on the people who will pay for facilities that they will not use.

What we need to do is not always talk about money. We need to look at what’s best for the community. People love the pool. I know that although I don’t use it now I did a lot when I was growing up in the ’70s. Things like these are what make “sense of community” that Mr. Ross speaks of. It makes people happy to be residents of Mt. Lebanon. It’s assets like these that make Mt. Lebanon a special place to live. He said there would be more traffic. In other words, if we add the extra touches more people would use the pool. Isn’ t people using the pool the main reason to build one? And, the more people that use the pool the higher the revenue keeping taxpayer costs down. I should think a lot of people would like that.
Finally, whether Mr. Ross believes it or not, community assets such as the pool do increase property values. it’s another reason to move to Mt. Lebanon. Many people come here because it’s a great place to raise kids–safe streets, top-of-the-liine public schools, neighborhood schools, neighborhood parks, and things such as an excellent community pool.

Regarding the “bells and whistles” that Mr. Ross doesn’t want, I say he made a great argument for them.

Was there any talk about a more regional plan? What is going to go on down the road at Dormont? Does that even matter?

I think we should think about regional elements — and swim pools are such an asset. A regional park district discussion makes some sense to me.

Furthermore, what are the upgrades that would be needed for the existing Mt. Lebo outdoor pool? Pool heater? Cost to install? Cost to operate? Rehab of locker spaces? More chairs? More shade / tents? New gutters? New filters? Pool cover?

And, how much is in the ‘rainy day fund?’ Who is managing that?