It's June 2013. A new business is considering locating to Tiffin and community leaders are giving them the $25 tour. During the tour of Tiffin, this new business' owners are shown the industrial parks, the public and catholic schools, Heidelberg and Tiffin universities, residential neighborhoods and the downtown. And then we come to the city parks.
Tiffin has an outstanding park system all can enjoy. We have disc golf (free), tennis courts (lighted), sand volleyball courts, numerous softball and baseball fields for all ages, great walking trails, a new contained dog agility park and then, sadly, an empty pool. The mayor of Tiffin has made it known the pool will not open next year due to budget issues. Just imagine what runs through these individuals' minds who are thinking of bringing a business to Tiffin and see an empty pool. They'll ask what is wrong with this town; if it can't afford a pool, then there are other, deeper issues here, and maybe we shouldn't locate in Tiffin.
Well, I offer a possible solution concerning the pool. I'd rather be positive towards a solution instead of just declaring the pool will not open.
City officials contact the local supplier of water to the city of Tiffin, which is Aqua Ohio, and ask it to donate water for the operation of the pool for the months of June, July and August. They also could contact AEP to donate electricity usage for the pool. Wanting to give back to the community that these two utilities serve, I know they would support this plan.
The city of Tiffin inspects and repairs all pumps, filters and piping to the pool to ensure it's in proper working condition.
Lease the pool to a private entity on contract for the months of June, July and August. The private entity would be responsible for liability insurance, certified lifeguards and specific hours of operation open to the public for the use of the pool. The private entity would also set the daily fee or membership rate. In addition, it could operate the pool outside standard hours for private parties or swimming instructions. The private entity would keep all gate receipts.
The city of Tiffin places advertisements in the major papers in Ohio just as they do when bidding paving projects. These ads need to be out by February 2013 and be opened mid-April 2013. If there is any interest, then Tiffin would have a pool; if not, at least we tried.
So, I suggest we stop saying "no" and get creative in our thought process. Let's solve the problem. Let's think differently. Next topic coming soon.
Kevin Carrigan, Tiffin
