Season Ends Saturday at Cheshire Community Pool

On Saturday, the Cheshire Community Pool will close for the 2013 season.

What the future holds for the popular community fixture remains to be seen. Residents will vote next month on the $3.2 million proposal to erect a permanent structure over the pool, making it a year-round facility.

But for those who work at the pool, their jobs end this weekend. 

"If they can't bump to another position will be furloughed," said Town Manager Michael Milone. That excludes pool director Sheila Adams, whose job won't be affected.

Because of the collapse of the bubble during the February blizzard, this winter will be the first that the pool is not covered, which is a concern, said Councilman James Sima, who is chairman of the Town Council's Planning Committee.

"The winterization of pool is a concern," he said. "There is no structure over pool, no tarp over pool, and we don't know if we will have fencing.

"This is the first winter without anything around it and there are a lot of issues have to be taken into consideration," he said, "because it will sit all winter long and we want to make sure it is safe for anyone walking through."

The tarp that was used when the bubble was up could be used again, Milone said, but it only makes sense to do so if the November referendum passes.

"We have talked about putting tarp up, but my only concern is that it can't hold much weight," he said. "It will keep heat in but with a heavy storm it could crack and fall in pool.

"A lot depends on the outcome of vote," he said. "If it is successful, the tarp can't be used again so it might make sense to cover it, but for right now not going to do that."

Sima said he plans to convene the Planning Committee again in mid-November, when the committee will discuss the issue.