New Britain herald., 1925-08-08

"C'm on in, skinney. t waters fine"
 Something Of the sort is taking place at the Willow Brook pool every day. And it is safe 10 say that every one of the 5000 bathers who used the pool since its opening a month ago at least thought such sentiments. For the Willow Brook swimming pool undoubtedly has proven the finest investment made by the city administration in many a year. based upon elements of its instant popularity,
 When the city began making an attempt to develop Willow Brook park the start was made upon the memorial field; a fine running track was built: a football field was con- structed in the center of the park; bleachers were added; in short, everything was done 10 make the park attractive to citizens
 But at the outset the public re- opoioC NhfS Hul tppCll-iiidhluS L'ul ing the first year of the memorial field 1t was used but a few times and criticisms began 10 be heard that the city evidently had "wasted" money--which of course was not the case, as the field was built for the future as we'll as for the immediate present The running tracks, when completed also got no resounding salvo of popularity and in a short time a few weeds began to grow in the cinder path; and then more un- just criticism. The high school one year turned down the use of the park for games because it was deemed not in suitable condition; and then more criticism.
 But the park and all its possihili. ties for enjoyment has been gaining in popularity, carping political critics notwithstanding. Its true value will be better understood and appreciated with tho passing years.
 But let's get back to the swim ming pool The pool, unlike some of the other facilities of the park, was an enormous success from the start. This was due 10 the fact, perhaps. that the city long needed a bathing pool. New Britain is an inland city and the need for bathing spot in the summer time was realized for years. Mayor Paonessa, when he got hold of the swimming pool idea for Willow Brook park, worked at 1t to the finish and the park hoard CO., operated. But probably neither the mayor or the members of the park board anticipated quite as much suc- cess as actually resulted during the | first month of the pools existence. If the weather had been as hot as it was during June there probably would have been an Attendance" of fully 12,ooO at the pool during the first month of Its opening.
 By the time the Willow Brook pool idea took possession of the mayor he had already had some eX- perience with the advocacy of & pool for the city but his first ef- | fort miscarried because it was meant ] for the North End. The mayor in 1923 wanted q swimming pool es- : tablished in Belvidere but residents of that section opposed. passing such opposition upon the premise 1t would draw too many youngsters from all sections of the city, which would be rather disturbing to the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. The mayor in May, 1923, had to re~ luctantly admit there was opposition 10 the swimming pool in the North End and called for a public forum on the subject, The plan was ac" cording1y dropped, much to tho mayors regret.
 But the more the mayor looked over Willow Brook park and it's possibilities the more he got ob< sessed with the opinion that this was a good place for swimming pool The remainder Is rather re" cent history.