Residents: Nazareth Pool Must Open, What Can We Do?

When news broke that the Nazareth Boro-Park pool would remain shuttered for the 2013 season, residents took to Nazareth Patch's comments section and Facebook page to voice their displeasure.

But some residents have voiced a willingness to do more than bellyache about the unfortunate situation:

Mad crazy mom: Other than college I have lived in Nazareth my entire life. Some how, some way this pool MUST be opened. How dare they compare they Y to the OUTDOOR Pool! I will be willing to start, aid in or do whatever it takes for this pool to open! I pray that others will help and follow! Please!

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PA Mom: Would anyone be willing to start a petition?
http://www.change.org/start-a-petition

I just moved here so I don't feel I have enough background info for setting this up. Is anyone else up for it? I have heard of groups that were successful with this forum.

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Elyssia Marshall Mathias: Not surprising, but highly disappointing. Everyone get their sprinklers ready! Or those little inflatable pools!

But the reason behind the pool's closure remains unclear, and it's unknown if residents can help.

Dan Chiavaroli, president of Nazareth Borough Council, explained Thursday that a professional presentation outlining the reasons behind the pool's closure will be given during Council's May 2 workshop.

The pool was slated to open May 25 for the Memorial Day weekend.

According to a report in The Morning Call, the pool opened almost 80 years ago and was built for $62,000 as a project of the Works Progress Administration, a government-funded program to create jobs during the Depression.

"We need something like the WPA today," commented Frank W. on Nazareth Patch. "It would create jobs and repair our roads, bridges, etc. Too bad Congress can't agree on anything."

The WPA was responsible for other pools and public works projects in the Lehigh Valley, according to The Morning Call report, including replacing the Bangor Memorial Pool.

If worse comes to worst, what are your alternate suggestions for summer fun in the Nazareth area? And/or do you think residents can help get the pool ready for summer 2013? Tell us in the comments section below.

And don't forget to check out Patch's guide to summer camps in the Lehigh Valley.