Alamo Parks and Recreation Committee is throwing cold water on its $200,000 pledge for an aquatic center – at least for now.
The committee agreed last February to donate the money for a new pool at San Ramon Valley High School, under the condition that funds be secured by Dec. 31, 2007.
But now a new master plan and remodeling is in the works for the high school, and construction for the aquatic center could be delayed five years or more. Earlier this month, the committee members decided to let their contribution expire.
“We voted to let it lapse,” said Steve Mick, vice president of R7-A Parks and Recreation Committee.
Committee members explained they can’t commit to a project that’s so up in the air.
“It muddied the waters,” Mick said.
He added that he welcomes the Aquatic Center Steering Committee to approach them when the plan is more solidified.
Aquatic Center Steering Committee spokesman Tom Dewar could not be reached by press time to comment on if and when they might approach the Alamo committee for a renewed pledge.
The current pool at the high school is about 50 years old and steering committee members say it isn’t able to accommodate the school’s water sports teams, let alone community use.
In September, Dewar said the pool is in such bad shape that he expected it to fall apart soon. He also explained that a swimmer had recently snagged her leg on old tiles, causing the need for 13 stitches.
Previously thousands of dollars were spent by the committee on a plan to replace the smaller gym with the pool. The new master plan at the school could change the location of the pool to replace what is now the larger gym.
Alamo Parks and Recreation Committee voted unanimously in favor of letting the pledge expire at its lightly attended December meeting. Committee members Marie-Jeanne Parsons, Steve Mick and alternate Alicia Watson were present to vote.
Currently the club has received $750,000 in pledges from the school district; $750,000 from the Town of Danville; $100,000 from the San Ramon Valley Athletic Boosters; and $600,000 from individuals. The town of Danville also has a set expiration date of Dec. 31.
