Site Logo

Port Angeles: Neighbors cool to city using forested Webster Park for a muncipal pool

Published 12:01 am Thursday, September 2, 2004

PORT ANGELES — Neighbors of Jessie Webster Park, concerned the trademark stand of tall trees may be the future site of a public pool, questioned City Council members Wednesday evening on their plans for a new plunge.

Council members Lauren Erickson, Gary Braun and Grant Munro — all members of the city’s Pool Renovation Committee — cautioned that they are only in the beginning stages of deciding where a new pool might be located.

But some people living near the park voiced objections to previously stated ideas to building a pool at Webster Park, citing the park’s rarity as an island of giant trees amid a populated area.

“I never would have bought my home if I thought a swimming pool would be across the street,” said Susan Howe.

About 45 people gathered in the Camp Fire Clubhouse at the park for a community-organized meeting to get information on the city’s plans.

Replacing Shore pool

The city is considering building a new public pool to replace the 43-year-old William Shore Memorial Pool, which most council members say no longer meets the needs of the population.

Webster Park, a five-acre area along Eunice Street between Second and Fourth streets, is among the five sites city staff has considered for a new pool.