Grounbreaking ceremonies for the Greater Owego Community Pool Project were held on Saturday, February 27, at 11:30 am behind the Owego Free Academy. The agenda for the event included Welcoming and Opening Remarks, the Official Groundbreaking, and refreshments at the Country side Community Center.

Dr. Edward J. Reid, Superintendent, was Master of Ceremonies. Steve Hendrickson, Chairman of the Greater Owego Community Pool Project Committee, was the first speaker. "It's a wonderful day," he said. "The pool symbolizes a dream becoming reality." Hendrickson added that the project represented the accomplishment of various organizations and individuals coming together for a common goal. He singled out John Spencer's involvement in getting the project started and referred to Spencer as "the man who never says die."

Senator Thomas Libous stated, "I've never seen a community come together with such effort, such strength. No matter how bad it looked, the spirit of the community never died." Libous said that it was nice to see a community come together, and to see the pool project take the first step of reality. "I salute you. I applaud you. I'm proud of you," Libous said to the community.

Assemblyman Jay Dinga added that the pool project was great for the community. Robert Williams, President of Tioga Opportunities, Inc. Board of Directors said, "It's a great day for Owego" and that the event was "a positive step forward for the community." K. Paul Bartlow, President of the Owego-Apalachin Board of Education commented that the pool project is the "culmination of hard work" and represents a special cooperation between the school and the community.

After the speeches, five students turned the first shovels-full of earth to signify the official start of the pool project and classroom addition. Members of the pool committee, members of the board of education, and guest speakers also participated in the ground breaking.

The two-story addition to the Owego Free Academy will house not only an eight-lane pool but also ten classrooms. The construction of the pool is being paid for through sate aid and community contributions.

However, the cost of operating the pool will be shared by the school district and the Pool Committee and is estimated to be at least $150,000 per year. The school district is responsible for paying 40% (approximately $60,000 per year) of the operating costs. This will be paid for by a tax increase. The district estimates that the tax increase will cost taxpayers an extra $6 per year.

The Pool Committee is responsible for 60% of the pool's operating cost (approximately $90,000 per year). The committee will meet this expense by charging the community to use the pool. The pool will be open for the community to use during non-school times such as evenings, weekends, vacations, and during the summer. The cost of the use-fee has not yet been established.

The grand opening of the pool is scheduled for this fall.

The groundbreaking for the new community pool comes less than two weeks after the Owego Village Board members voted to support the idea of paving over the Marvin Park Pool.

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