TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) -
Toledo Councilman Mike Craig and dozens of East Toledo residents rallied on Thursday to urge the mayor to put off plans to demolish 3 pools no longer in use located in District 3: Ravine, Collins Park and Ashley.
Mayor Bell and Craig do agree it's time to tear down the pool at Highland Park.
"Highland Pool needs to be addressed fairly rapidly. It has been something we should have taken care of 5 or 6 years ago," said Bell.
However, the mayor's office has targeted the three other pools for demolition, and Craig wants to prevent that from happening.
"These other pools the administration plans to demolish still have life left in them and once a pool is gone, it's gone," said Craig.
Residents including Marsha Taylor joined Craig to voice their opposition at Ravine Park.
"Ravine Pool I don't think needs to be torn down. It needs some work and it'd be fine," said Taylor
Craig wants any decisions to be put on hold until voters have a say on a 1-mill parks/rec levy request.
"Funding to repair these pools could come from a proposed recreation levy that will be voted on in November," said Craig.
The mayor says at this point the only demolition with a definite timeline is Highland Park.
"Case by case with the other three as funding makes itself available we'll figure out what exactly we want to do," said Bell.
Craig points to the city finding money to repair Roosevelt Pool, and those speaking out at least want the mayor to listen to their concerns.
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