Liberty Bell Pool at Roosevelt State Park Closed

A statement from Steve Earles, Pres. Fresh Services, Inc., former contractor of the pool:

The state park system has not budgeted approximately $15,000 for drain renovations necessary to comply with a new federal law. The pool has been operated as a private concession for the past 6 years by Fresh Services, Inc., Steve Earles, President. Negotiations to assume all expenses except for the drain renovations failed  and emergency funds requested from the Governor’s office have also been denied . All staff of the pool have been notified of their jobs being lost and all parties affected by the pool including regular pass holders, day care centers(10), Girls and Boys Clubs, youth shelters, churches and scout groups and already booked private are being notified and cancelled.

Below are some facts and opinions to be shared:
Fact -$220,000 plus net profit last year, same as several years prior also. Second most profitable and visited park in state according to DNR figures and AJC news.

Fact- estimated in 2007 and 2008 alone, over 15,000 people visited the pool each year, paying admission and parking fees. Four counties send their programs there, over 25 different churches, scouts, Girls and Boys Clubs from Harris, Meriwether, Troup, Talbot and Columbus, youth shelter homes and private party groups all participate regularly. Over 120 family season passes have been sold this past year. Campers, cottage and cabin guests swim at discounts. The pool has never failed to open since 1940 even during WWII.

Fact- several large groups booked for the park and pool have already cancelled their trips to the park due to the pool not remaining open. One group has been coming for at least 7 years, occupying both group camps and spending over $5000 at the park alone. The reservation center has been notifying for weeks,  people already booked and potential guests that the pool will not operate this year even though there was an appeal to the Governor’s office for emergency funds.

Opinion- this is counterproductive.

Fact- the state park system, in order to raise revenue is planning on increasing the park pass( parking fee anywhere in the park) from $3.00 to $5.00 daily and from $30.00 to $50.00 yearly.

Opinion- increasing a tax fee does not generate revenue and sustain growth, quality attractions and recreation such as the pool does. There will no increase in revenue for parking If the pool is closed during summer months. On busy weekend days and holidays you may have over 100 cars per day at the pool when open.

Fact- many children and adolescents suffer from lack of structure and discipline in their environments and homes. Obesity and boredom major problems with youth today. The pool offers disciplined structure and well supervised recreation that will be lost.

Fact -park pass money (parking fee) is designated for local projects, thousands of dollars generated just by pool parking. This is a decision made jointly by the regional supervisor and local superintendent    with approval from DNR headquarters, according fto DNR officials. No funds were set aside for pool renovations.

Opinion-Last summer it was known by local and regional management of this new drain law affecting the pool. The law was passed in 2007 and enacted effective if any was  operating, in  December 2008.

Fact-Two years ago the state spent over $25,000 for new pumps and motors for the pool to improve performance, all relatively new.

Fact-At December board of DNR, minutes show that one of  their priorities was not to lay off any park employees

Opinion-Why can’t the park hold a town meeting  for local citizens who don’t understand and may be disagree but care about the pool? The local community takes pride in the heritage and history of the pool and its continued success after so many years. t.

Fact-County and Pine Mountain officials all refused to help with support but endorse their recreation department and groups to use the pool for promoted summer programs. Girls and Boys Clubs, Red Cross classes, summer day care, etc. There is not a public pool accessible for underprivileged and others within 4 counties and a 30 mile radius.

Fact-The most recent contract agreement offered and agreed on was that the park system would not be burdened with any normal costs and the contractor of the pool would agree to handle that. All the park system had to do was pay and renovate the drains , estimated at $15,000.

Opinion-Why would the state park system let such an important historical site operating since 1940 close while still able to properly operate? Why ignore such historical significance of President Roosevelt and continue to refurbish and upgrade the facilities and pools at Warm Springs? President Roosevelt sat on a hill overseeing construction of Liberty Bell Pool from 1938 to 1940. Now that heritage and history is gone for good unless someone makes some changes and adjust their priorities in their park budgets.

Opinion- Why can’t DNR see how the loss of the pool and its revenue, directly and indirectly , will affect the gross revenue of the park, total state revenue intake and the local economy with merchants and other contractors such as the horse stables?

“You don’t pull the plug early on a gentle lady with proper plumbing and care who has good life left. Let her live her life out and go on her own terms”

For your comments and questions concerning the pool's status:                                                                                              
Roosevelt State Park, Supt. Don McGhee
706 663 4858, park office or
Becky Kelley, Director of State Parks, DNR
404 656 3500       http://www.gadnr.org/ go to contact us

 

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