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It would appear plans for renovations to Starvaggi Memorial Pool are finally going to move forward following years of discussion.
Opened in 1968, the pool and the park in which it is located were built under the guidance of Michael Starvaggi, and donated to the city by Starvaggi Charities. There have been some updates to the facility over the years, such as the locker room areas and the addition and subtraction of some amenities, but, for the most part, the actual pool itself hasn't changed in the almost 60 years it has been in operation.
Officials warned more than a decade ago the current pool vessel had surpassed its useful life and was leaking water, and that has only continued.
Honestly, I've stopped counting how many times discussion of this project has been brought up over the years. There are people who have been passionate about Weirton's recreation, but, for one reason or another, not much movement has been made.
It can be overwhelming and disappointing to see all of these plans being discussed for improvements in the community, only to them have them be put off because of a lack of available funding or because certain people want to focus on other areas.
I understand the available tax dollars have to be distributed across various city operations, but recreation often takes a back seat even when people continue to talk about how important it is to attract people to a community.
It follows an old mindset from when Weirton Steel (and others) took care of so much of the city's needs. Starvaggi Park was a gift from the Starvaggi family. Marland Heights Park was gifted by Weirton Steel and the Weir family. The Millsop Community Center was built through the contributions of Weirton Steel employees, with heat provided for generations by steam coming from the mill. For years, even those overseeing some of the park operations weren't actually city employees.
Nobody ever had to worry about ever funding these projects, so minimal efforts were made over the years, with a "autonomous board" bringing in just enough money to keep things going.
If all goes well, though, this is one project which won't have to be worried about for many years to come. According to Parks officials, the current plan is to begin the process of demolishing the current pool vessel and deck area the day after the pool is closed in mid August.
Construction can then begin in either the late fall or sometime in early 2025 on the new vessel and deck area.
The vessel will look different from today's configuration, with plans for a zero-entry area, then a section that will be 4 feet deep, and then the final section of 6 feet. The idea of formal lanes also won't be included in current plans, as officials have said the pool is no longer used for competitive swimming. This will be a pool entirely for recreation.
This is, of course, only one of the projects being eyed right now, and they will all have a cost attached.
I understand the city has other areas of responsibility, from police and fire operations to street upkeep, garbage collection, water and sanitary services, and more. They all cost money.
Ultimately, funds are going to be limited, and decisions are going to have to be made (as always) about how they will be divided across city operations. There is a proposal of establishing a park levy - with the goal of raising $10 million over a five-year period - but that will be up to the voters.
None of it will be easy, but I would suggest keeping a dialogue going among all of the invested parties - city council, the Park Board and the people of Weirton - to see where this can go.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @ChowellWDT)