Reopening of SOLECO Pool a Cause for Celebration

Patrons and supporters of the new Frank Banko  gathered June 24 in celebration of the completion of the pool’s recent renovations.

Originally built in 1964, the Upper Saucon Township pool had been used for almost 50 years by locals in southern Lehigh County. Over the past few seasons, however, maintenance costs were close to $40,000 annually, as a result of a failing pool structure.

The 2010 season might have been the pool’s final one if not for the help of many local supporters.

“We put over $40,000 in re-welding plates to the bottom just to reopen every year, struggling and not knowing whether or not we’re gonna make the season,” said Joe Selman, a construction professional who dedicated the past year to helping with the project.

Amazingly, no local tax dollars were used to fund the pool’s recent renovations. All funding came from private industries and individuals.

Mark Turner, a project manager with Alvin H. Butz Construction, volunteered his time to oversee the project, as did Selman and other volunteers who committed themselves to lending a hand.

“I’m out once or twice a week. My involvement is more on the financial and the front end,” Turner said. “Joe’s really the guy that made it happen. All the credit goes to him.”

Maggie Koller, a local mom and SOLECO pool member, was the first to come up with the idea to “save the pool.” As president of the SOLECO Pool Association, Koller began organizing the effort about a year ago.

“This is the culmination of a year-long fundraising campaign,” Koller explained. “We’re getting together tonight for a dedication to Frank Banko, who was our major donor, and all of our donors.”

Knowing that the original pool was a lost cause, Koller--with help from her father and co-chairman of the campaign, Robert “Bert” Daday--went to local philanthropist Frank Banko with the plan. Their hope was that he would feel passionate about the project and offer his financial support.

He was, and he did.

Banko agreed to set the pace of the campaign with a pledge of $250,000.

Banko is already well-known in the area for his financial contributions to such projects as the Bethlehem Area School District's Frank Banko Field at Liberty High School, the Banko Family Community Room at the Banana Factory, the East Side Youth Center in Allentown, the Frank Banko Emergency Department (part of St. Luke’s Hospital in Quakertown), and most recently, the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas in the ArtsQuest Performing Arts Center in Bethlehem.

In an appreciation speech, Daday thanked Banko for his hefty contribution to funding the SOLECO pool's resurrection.

“Frank, you’re a friend, you’re a great human being, a great citizen, a tremendous leader and businessperson. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done. This could not have been possible without your leadership.”

Phase One renovations to the pool included a complete overhaul of the in-ground pool and baby pool. Starting blocks have been installed so Southern Lehigh High School and other local swim teams such as the SOLECO Stingrays will have a place to practice and compete.

As of now, the Southern Lehigh School District has no pool.

A new “zero-entry” allows elderly residents and toddlers to easily access the pool without the use of ladders or stairs. A lift chair allows handicapped swimmers even easier entry into the pool, as the chair simply lifts them down from the pool’s edge.

Fundraising efforts over the past year and major donations from local businesses such as Air Products, Alvin H. Butz Construction, SOLECO Swim Team, St. Luke’s Hospital, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley, and several other $10,000+ donors, allowed the project to come to fruition.

Phase Two will involve renovating the bathhouse, the installation of additional water features such as a slide, and some additional ways of making the pool handicapped accessible.

The pool is now officially open for business. It is open to the public, although privately funded through yearly membership dues.

The seasonal cost for a family membership is $325, the cost for an individual membership is $125, and a senior or babysitter pass is $60. Daily membership is $10, but if accompanied by a pool member it is $6.

Visit the SOLECO Community Pool Facebook page for additional photos and to stay connected to their progress as they enter Phase Two of the project.