by Lisa Rich, Special Writer
ROBBINSVILLE — It’s a daydream that often crosses the mind of Jennie Smith and other township residents:
Cool, crisp blue water roped into lanes; the sound of children squealing in delight as they splash and play; a community pool close to home.
Smith and other residents making up the Pool Exploratory Committee are hoping to make these images a reality — without costing taxpayers.
”It’s the kind of thing a growing township like Robbinsville should have,” Ms. Smith said. “I think there would be a great market for it, especially for families with young children.”
According to a recent small survey conducted by the committee, nearly 50 percent of respondents said a community pool is “absolutely necessary.” Twenty-four percent said they do not favor a pool.
The township has more than 11,000 residents, according to the latest census. Only about 335 residents took part in the survey.
The survey, released earlier this year, also states that 74 percent of the respondents don’t visit a pool because one isn’t close enough to home.
”I understand that because I go to a pool in Hamilton right now, and I’m really just tired of the drive,” Ms. Smith said. “Plus, the high school has a swim team and no nearby pool. This could be something the entire community can enjoy.”
Many details behind the potential project are still being explored, including the location, whether the pool would be indoors or out, and the overall cost, Ms. Smith said.
Ultimately, the township would have to approve plans for a community pool. And municipal officials said for the project to work, taxpayers cannot be tapped.
”This needs to be a self-sustaining enterprise,” said Township Administrator Mary Caffrey. “We can’t use tax dollars.”
Councilman David Boyne, who acts as a liaison to the pool committee, said the group has turned to officials behind a nearby pool center in West Windsor that also operates without tax dollars.
Robert Hary, director of human services in West Windsor, said the pool center “Water Works at West Windsor” began with resident interest.
After researching the issue and surveying residents, Mr. Hary said the biggest question became whether the pool center could sustain itself.
”That’s always a scary proposition,” he said. “Obviously, if it’s not successful, you still have to pay your debt and expenses. But it’s been relatively successful; one of the best values in the town.”
Building Water Works cost more than $3 million, and annual operating expenses are typically hundreds of thousands, Mr. Hary said. The center, which opened in 1996, has four pools, including one for adults and a splash area for toddlers. The sustainability factor comes in with a 20-year loan and membership fees, which range from $400 for a resident family to $500 for a non-resident family.
If approved in Robbinsville, the community pool would also charge similar fees to stay afloat, Ms. Smith said. The committee also is seeking investors.
For more information, or to inquire about becoming an investor, contact the township offices at (609) 918-0222.

