JUMP RIGHT IN
Trenton’s longclosed Hetzel Pool gets soft opening after massive renovations, city leaders tout it as a big win for recreation for youth >>
Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora christened a renovated Hetzel Pool yesterday with a feet-first dive into the deep end. Gusciora did not need much coaxing either as his splash reopened a pool closed for several years despite the fact that money existed for revitalization. Former Mayor Douglas H. Palmer had secured dollars for a $1.2 million project before he left office but successors Mayor Tony Mack and Mayor Eric Jackson never delivered action.
In the end, dumpers discarded a variety of objects into the abandoned pool while others even dropped human waste into the waterless pit. Past problems disappeared as summer campers made their first entry into the cool waters while others enjoyed aqua accessories.
Small cannons fired streams of water while a series of geysers propelled water columns skyward. Showers sprayed squealing swimmers as a trident of inverted colored cones filled with water then dumped gallons of water onto water players, including Mayor Gusciora who received a wonderful baptismal.
“This is just a soft opening but it’s a greatmoment for residents,” Gusciora said, his clothes saturated with water and his heart satisfied with a Hetzel Pool opening before Labor Day.
“We had some contractual delays and DCA (Department of Community Affairs) put a stop to the project for a month,” while Gusciora and City Council members resolved a budget crisis. “But all systems are go and we’re just really excited. Our kids and residents need places for recreation. This is great.”
An opening seemed in jeopardy as installation of a sewer line from the bathrooms to an area near South Olden Ave. remains unfinished. City officials were still able to secure a certificate for operation. Plus, a nearby roadway remains incomplete. A temporary portable bathroom trailer will stay on site until workers finish that project.
“I’m satisfied with the pool and the water play areas. My personal satisfaction will come after I’ve taken a look at the bathrooms because they were just horrible in the past,” South Ward Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson said.
Gusciora noted that lifeguards gained summer employment, including city student, Jhoule Ellis who enjoyed seeing kids splash and squeal.
“I love being here,” Ellis beamed during her first summer as a lifeguard. The junior noted that in several weeks she will enter a new $155million high school, another anticipated accomplishment for Gusciora who pushed for the new building during his tenure as a state assemblyman.
Maria Richardson, director of Recreation, Culture and Natural Resources beamed that the pool happened under her watch.
“Yes, yes, yes, this is a great day for our kids and the City,” Richardson said.
The excitement spilled into action as Richardson joined Mayor Gusciora for a photo in the pool. The two adults splashed around like children before the younger kids splashed into the beautiful, cool water.
Hetzel Pool will open from 1 p.m. and close at 8 p.m. throughout the week. Richardson said the pool could potentially stay open for weekends beyond early September when city pools close.