Calling all friends! The Friends of Catasauqua Parks group is looking for new members to join and help preserve the local parks and pool.

Borough Councilman Gene Schlegel, who also serves as chairman of the Friends of Catasauqua Parks committee, said the main mission of this organization is to raise funds to enhance the parks and, specifically, resurrect the Catasauqua pool.

The Catasauqua municipal pool, which was built in 1936, has been closed for three years. Over the years, the pool suffered a severe amount of damage, and the costs to repair are high.

There was reportedly an extensive amount of frost damage, and as a result, the pool was losing 400,000 gallons of water a day. The cost for repairs to the pool run in the neighborhood of $1,000,000.

The Friends group has raised $11,000 so far. These funds have gone toward installing cameras in the parks to help prevent vandalism. The cameras are currently in the process of being installed.

The need for new members is to help increase the fundraising efforts with the goal of restoring the pool and reconstruction/repair at other parks.

Schlegel said part of the plans for restoring the pool have to begin with employing an engineer who specializes in swimming pools to see if it’s feasible to fix - and what the actual costs are.

Currently, there are concerns with the pump and the cracking walls. The filtration system is sustainable, it has been reported.

Schlegel pointed out a geographical study is needed to see if enough stability can be recreated at this location to begin the repair process. This type of study will be a major undertaking and commitment.

The three-year time period without the pool has left many Catasauqua residents without summer recreation. Many have come forward at borough council meetings pleading with council to do something with the site to provide an outlet for their children.

To operate the pool, the cost is $100,000 a year.

Some thought has been given toward creating a splash park in connection with the pool, but a stable financial picture and a stable pool foundation are needed. Borough council is still considering a number of options for the area.

Leaders and people who truly want to be involved are needed. To be part of the committee, one must attend meetings, held once a month, and participate in fundraising events. One does not have to be a resident of Catasauqua to join, as the committee is open to all people interested.

It was noted, the Friends group needs concerned citizens who are willing to step outside of their comfort zone, explore ways to work together, study methods to find a feasible path to reconstruct and put the time in to entertain avenues of achieving cash flow.

It’s a good chance to make friends, make a difference and give back to the community. If you wish to consider volunteering, call Schlegel at 610-264-1466.

The pool situation will be discussed at the Feb. 6 borough council committee meetings, which begin 6 p.m. at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St. Schlegel encouraged anyone interested in the future of the pool to attend this meeting.