Easling Pool in Traverse City is set to reopen on Wednesday. Grand Traverse County’s only public pool is under the new management of Grand Traverse Bay YMCA.
“We’re trying to partner with the county to try to save an entity that has been in this community for years," says Jay Buckmaster, CEO of the YMCA. "So we will do what we do, which is run great programming and run great pools, and I guess it’s going to be to the community to see if there’s enough need to be able to sustain it long-term."
Over the past few years the pool saw a decline in patrons. The county closed the pool in October for financial reasons.
Buckmaster says the YMCA has simplified the way membership works.
"With this one when you’re a member, and you pay your fee," he says, "the classes ... are included with your membership. You don’t pay extra for them."
The pool itself has not been upgraded. But Buckmaster says a wellness and training center with treadmills, weights, and other exercise equipment will be added in February. The wellness center is included in the pool membership.
Kristine Erickson, director of Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation, says the pool facility will eventually need at least a million dollars in repairs and upgrades, and it’ll be up to the county to find money for both.
