Cranford residents press committee to keep two public pools; officials ask for full financials before decision

Dozens of residents urged the Cranford Township Committee on Monday to delay any decision to close one of the town’s outdoor pools, arguing the facilities can be saved through operational changes, marketing and clearer accounting. Committee members said they will review complete year-end financials and discuss options publicly before taking action.

The public outcry focused on a possible closure of Centennial Avenue Pool. The issue drew multiple speakers during the public-comment period, including Rashida Ortega, a founding member of Friends of Cranford Pools, who presented a community plan aimed at eliminating the pool utility’s deficit.

Ortega said the plan focuses on diversifying revenue and improving marketing. "These pools are not liabilities. They're community assets that bring families together and can thrive with the right leadership and the right strategy," she told the committee. Ortega asked officials to "delay any closure decisions, conduct a full operational audit, and publish projections for all the…