Fullerton Swimmers Are Told Not to Give Up Hope on Pool

Members and supporters of the Fullerton Aquatic Swim Team continued to fight this week for year-round operation of the city’s 50-meter pool at Independence Park and heard some encouraging words from the City Council.

“Don’t give up hope,” Councilman Don Bankhead said at Tuesday’s meeting.

The council is considering closing the pool during the winter months to save $25,000 in operating expenses. The move is one of several being considered to balance the city’s $79-million budget.

“This is a direct result of the failure of the utility tax,” Councilwoman Jan M. Flory said about the 2% levy that was repealed after voters recalled the council members who voted for it. “I don’t think that the swim team will be the only people who will be upset” with the budget cuts that have to be made.

Swim team members, most of whom are Fullerton teen-agers, and their parents asked the council to consider that the team might have to disband. To compete on the national level, team supporters said, swimmers have to practice year-round.

“Some are future Olympians,” resident Virginia Neal said.

Council members said they have not yet made a final decision on the pool’s operation.