Athletic Club Board Forming

Proponents of a swimming and athletic club at the city-owned Roessler Pool in Palos Verdes Estates received City Council permission last week to recruit a board of directors, which will set up the club and raise money to open it through memberships, loans and donations.

The board and the council later will jointly write a concession agreement for operation of the club.

A citizens committee that conducted a feasibility study of the club estimated $1.5-million would be required to restore and equip the run-down, 60-year-old pool and clubhouse, which the city no longer wants to maintain because of the expense. The club would be patterned after golf and tennis clubs on city property.

Committee Member Dorothy Flood said the group is optimistic about the project, despite mixed opinions expressed in a citywide survey, which was sent to 5,000 households and had a 20% return rate. Among those responding, 309 were not interested in joining the club, 285 were definitely interested, 286 were interested but could not justify the cost, and 93 indicated interest if changes were made in the club proposal.

The committee estimated that family memberships consisting of a $2,000 initiation fee and $50 monthly dues would be necessary to make the venture feasible.

People interested in serving on the board--which will include between nine and 15 city residents--may telephone Flood, at 375-7207, or Mayor Ruth Gralow, at 541-1072. The application deadline is Aug. 21.