Splash Pad An Option To Replace Pool At Vernon's Henry Park: Mayor

VERNON, CT — A state-of-the-art splash pad has been proposed to replace the aging swimming pool at Henry Park in Vernon.

Mayor Daniel Champagne threw out the idea at a recent town council meeting.

The Horowitz Pool at Henry park has been around since 1952 and its age has made operating it prohibitive, Champagne said. He said between its age and pressure from the adjoining hill the walls have weakened, which are essentially "being held up by the water."

Champagne said at no time was the pool unsafe when in use, but at this point it needs to be replaced. Vernon has another public swimming pool at Center 375, which is operating this summer.

"A lot of communities are switching to splash pads," Champagne said.

A 6,000-square-foot splash pad can be built for about $700,000, a fraction of what a full-sized swimming pool would cost, Champagne said.

He said bonding would not be an option and available funds and grants would be explored to pay for it. The idea will be discussed at the council level "in the next month or so," Champagne said.

Warm springtime and fall temperatures could lead to five months of use with a splash pad, Champagne said.