Pocono News Section

West Pittston Pool Will Stay Open

West Pittston Pool Will Stay Open - Monday, June 1, 2009 at 9:20PM EST

WEST PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY- After a long fight and plenty of fundraising, a Luzerne County pool will stay open.
Workers were painting the West Pittston pool Monday afternoon. It's a yearly tradition for borough employee Leonard Pesta. Pesta said, "It's good, it's good. I feel good about it helping out for the kids of the neighborhood you know? Some place for them to go."

But this tradition was in jeopardy this year. Renovations are needed at the pool, more than one million dollars worth. So the mayor and borough raised $30,000.

That was just enough to keep it open this summer. "You know we help them out, they help us out," said National Guardsman Joe Hajala.

He’s helping cut costs by volunteering his work. Hajala, from the National Guard 109th infantry says he's giving back to the community that supports his unit. "It's going to be hot this summer. All the kids that don't have swimming pools and stuff, they'll be looking for somewhere to go so they can come here and cool off," says Hajala.

The borough will also use volunteers at the concession stand. Plumbers and electricians are also offering up their work free of charge for the sake of the pool.

If all goes well, this paint will dry and the pool will open this Saturday.