GETTING IN THE SWIM OF THINGS

CHAMPION — Work began Thursday to revive the swimming hole that had been used by generations of area residents from 1953 until it was closed in 2002.

West Carthage Mayor Scott M. Burto said the Twin Villages Swimming Pool on County Route 45 possibly could open in August if the work is finished in time, but most likely it will open next year.

Donald M. Monaghan, West Carthage Department of Public Works superintendent, said the June 10 storm and cleanup that followed were factors in pushing back the start of pool cleanup.

The site will be ready for a swim program next year.

"When we decided to do it, we knew there was a lot to do, so we already committed to the school swim program for this year," Mr. Burto said. "We wanted to allow time to make sure everything is done right."

Four municipalities — the towns of Champion and Wilna and the villages of Carthage and West Carthage — are making cleanup and maintenance of the pool a joint effort. The pool is formed by dams in a creek from Pleasant Lake.

On Thursday, DPW employees from West Carthage and Carthage cut brush and removed mud and silt that built up while the pool was closed.

This week, cleaning will be wrapped up and workers from the town of Champion will grade the sandy sides of the pool to remove grass. After that, crews will paint and do minor repairs on the deck, playground and bathhouse.

Beavers also present a challenge. Their dams will have to be dug up to prevent the risk of swimmers contracting "beaver fever," or giardiasis, if they swallowed contaminated water. The village of West Carthage likely will obtain a state permit to remove the dams this week, Mr. Monaghan said.

Getting the heavy work done now will make cleaning up the pool for next year's swimming program easier.

Mr. Burto said there is a need for another swimming venue since Carthage High School's program is over its capacity this year. For now, pool time is alternated among groups of kids to make sure everyone can participate.

"It will give more kids an opportunity to swim," Mr. Burto said. "Some of the community was interested in offering more options. The school has a good swim program, but everything is indoors."

The high school most likely will continue its program.

Carthage President G. Wayne McIlroy agrees that there is a need for a swimming pool, but wishes the municipalities had the money to build a new one.

"The community needs a swimming pool," he said. "We'll try it again for a couple years and see how things go."

Mr. Burto, Mr. Monaghan and Mr. McIlroy grew up swimming in the pool. "I can remember when it opened," Mr. McIlroy said. "That's where I learned how to dive."