Franklin — When Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker proposed an $11.5 million aquatics center in his 2010 budget, he did it with the idea the facility would be built in the southeastern part of the county.
That led some Franklin residents to wonder, "Why not here?"
Local push
An online petition to bring the aquatics center to Franklin was launched four weeks ago by resident and local blogger Greg Kowalski. By noon Tuesday, the petition had gathered about 200 signatures.
Kowalski said the facility could be part of the Milwaukee County Sports Complex, which would mean the county would not have to purchase any additional land. It also would be a catalyst for economic development for the area, he said.
Noting the big price tag, Kowalski said community organizations could raise money to offset some of the cost. He said residents would largely support the facility, in part because Franklin lacks a public swimming pool.
"If the county is committed to helping Franklin build an aquatics facility, there would be support," he said.
County support?
Whether officials will commit to an aquatic center in any part of the county is questionable.
Walker's budget plan called for closing six pools in Milwaukee and opening the new aquatics center, which would be similar to Cool Waters in West Allis.
The initial idea was that the pool would be built in Maitland Park, near 13th and Ramsey streets, county Supervisor Mark Borkowski said. However, that was widely opposed by neighborhood residents and is now off the table, he said.
All other options will now be considered, including Franklin and Falk Park in Oak Creek. But supervisors may be more inclined to keep the six pools in Milwaukee open rather than build a larger aquatics center, Borkowski said.
Given the county's dire financial situation, county officials say now may not be the best time to build another Cool Waters-type facility. Regardless, the discussion will continue, Borkowski said.
"The bottom line is that a lot of things are in play," Borkowski said. "Most of this budget is painted in misery, but I think this is something that's exciting. If it can work out properly it would be a real boon to our side of the county."
Walker did not return a call seeking comment.
Kowalski said he will deliver the petition to the county before public hearings on the budget begin Nov. 2. The county is due to adopt the budget Nov. 9.
Franklin's enthusiasm
Supporters say Franklin needs any kind of swimming pool, even if it's not on the scale of Cool Waters. Resident Lea Taylor, who is involved with the effort to land an aquatics center, said the lack of public swimming pool is a great inconvenience for her and her five children.
"This is the first city I have lived in without a public aquatic center," said Taylor, who moved to Franklin more than a year ago. "I feel the proposed aquatics center could give opportunities for people of all ages - seniors, young adults and families to get together for fun, swim lessons and a variety of aquatic activities."
Mayor Tom Taylor said he has advocated that Franklin be considered for not only county pools, but other facilities as well, such as a senior center. Residents have paid Milwaukee County taxes for years yet don't have the type of county facilities like in other cities, he said.
Taylor said he prefers a swimming facility with an Olympic-size pool, high and low diving boards and children's play areas. A Cool Waters-like complex is more of a commercial enterprise, and he would have to let Franklin residents weigh in on such issues first, Taylor said.
"I greatly appreciate the idea that Franklin is being considered, although I think it should have considered all along," Taylor said.
ON THE WEB
To view or sign the online petition, visit ipetitions.com/petition/milwaquatics/signatures.html
E-mail Newsletter
Your link to the biggest stories in the suburbs delivered Thursday mornings.
Enter your e-mail address above and click "Sign Up Now!" to begin receiving your e-mail newsletter
Get the Newsletter!
More from News and Features
- Police Notes: Jan. 31
- News & Notes: Jan. 31
- The little prairie by the schoolhouse (1)
- Franklin School Board candidates discuss age-old facility topic (12)
- Police Report: Jan. 31
- Community Calendar
- Joint meeting will focus on Delphi and civic center redevelopment (2)
- News & Notes: Jan. 24
- Police Report: Jan. 24
- Police Notes: Jan. 24
0 COMMENTS