It is common knowledge that the only antidote for the scorching Wisconsin summers is a trip to the municipal swimming pool, a cure which the citizens of Madison have long lacked. Thanks to a generous grant from Irwin and Robert Goodman, the city's pain might soon be alleviated.
Members of Mayor Dave Cieslewicz's Pool Committee met Thursday for a public listening session to gauge response to the proposed sites of the city's first public pool, which include Breese Stevens Field and Warner and Franklin Parks.
According to Jim Morgan, city superintendent of parks, the committee is in search of a location that is pedestrian friendly, free of existing traffic congestion and easily accessible to children.
\We want a park with positive public support and neighborhood support,"" Morgan said. Morgan and committee members also noted the numerous donations made by the Goodman brothers, namely their sponsorship of Goodman Diamond and the Shalom Center Campus and Pool.
Much of the conversation revolved around the proposed Breese Stevens site. Bob Shaw, a resident of the near east Madison neighborhood, approved the pool's construction over the now dilapidated soccer field, citing its central location, proximity to parking and city bus lines in support of its candidacy. ""I think the historic structure lends itself to a very beautiful pool,"" he said.
Other citizens disagreed, equating the city landmark to Lambeau Field and were optimistic that the soccer pitch would be restored to its former glory. ""Breese is a venue; Breese is a city landmark,"" said local soccer enthusiast Eric Bertun.
One major obstacle facing the committee is a charter ordinance that prevented similar plans for a pool at Olin Park in 1992. The ordinance, which protects city parks on open waterways as public space and calls for future construction to be approved through referendum, covers Franklin Park, perhaps the most popular proposed location. A referendum may be available on a November ballot.
The committee plans on touring the sites of interest in the coming weeks and is optimistic that it will narrow the list to three sites for Cieslewicz around Thanksgiving. If approved, groundbreaking for the pool is scheduled for July 1, 2005.
