Cranford residents urge preservation of local pools amid financial concerns

In the heart of Cranford, a community grapples with the future of its beloved swimming pools. During a recent town meeting held on February 4, 2025, residents voiced their concerns and hopes regarding the potential closure of one of the town's two pools, a topic that has stirred deep emotions and sparked passionate discussions among families.

Suzanne Santos, a newcomer to Cranford, shared her family's positive experiences at the local pool, emphasizing the joy it brings to her children and the community. "I hope we can work together to save the pool," she urged, highlighting the importance of understanding the reasons behind declining membership numbers. Santos suggested conducting a thorough analysis to determine if rising membership costs and changing lifestyles, particularly post-COVID, have contributed to the downturn.

Echoing her sentiments, Jen Langham spoke about the emotional ties families have to the pools, recalling generations of memories made there. "There's no price tag you can put on them," she said, urging the council to explore all options before making a decision. Langham also raised concerns about safety for children walking to school, advocating for better pathways to ensure their safety.

The meeting revealed a complex financial landscape. Town officials explained that the pools are primarily funded through membership fees, not taxpayer dollars. With state funding from COVID relief dwindling, the council faces tough choices about the pools' future. "The pools are not sustainable at this rate," one official stated, acknowledging the need for increased membership and possibly higher fees to cover operating costs.

Residents proposed various solutions, including partnerships with the local YMCA for discounts, flexible membership options, and improved advertising to attract new members. The idea of extending pool hours was also discussed, with some suggesting that later hours could accommodate working families better.

As the deadline for a decision approaches on February 22, the community remains hopeful that their voices will be heard. "We need to engage everyone," one council member remarked, emphasizing the importance of transparency and collaboration in finding a solution that preserves the cherished pools for future generations.

With emotions running high and a shared love for their community, Cranford residents continue to rally for their pools, determined to keep the spirit of summer alive in their town.