Here is an article I wrote for the Press Gazette on this issue:
To rebuild or not to rebuild, that is the question facing Fisk Pool. It is difficult to convey the passion and fervor I
have witnessed in regards to Fisk. I have discovered three distinct reasons this issue is important to so many: sentimentality,
East vs. West and the central city’s loss of infrastructure.
Most of the people I have dealt with in regards to Fisk had numerous fond memories to relate. They wanted the present generation
to experience them also. Although important, I will not recount them here. Significant policy decisions must have sound reasoning
behind them. Sentiment alone cannot rule the day.
East side vs. West side is still important to many. Fisk embodies this very issue. The debate of where to place the first
rebuilt pool was a hot one. When Joannes was chosen as the site, it was agreed that Fisk would be next. For various reasons,
this did not happen. As a west-sider I can easily point out that the east side has splendid park options, including: Joannes
Aquatic Center, Bay Beach Amusement Park, The Wildlife Sanctuary, Baird’s Creek, the Fox River Trail, a future East
River Trail, and a future soccer complex. The west side has Colburn pool and a closed Fisk pool. The disparity is evident.
We should not be eliminating a park facility from the west side without replacing it.
I am passionate about ensuring that this section of town remains vibrant and attractive. I want reasons for good people
to live, play and raise their families here. Furthermore, we should always be maintaining positive options for youth. Removing
Fisk Pool will have the opposite effects. It is time to stop giving people reasons to move out of the city. This project will
replace existing infrastructure in an important demographic area.
This past year, John Kubiak, Alderman Arnoldi and I tried to resurrect the pool with a public/private venture. However,
to build a smaller pool for less money creates its own problems. Being smaller, the pool might not have met the needs of the
area and the operational costs would far outweigh any revenue. A larger facility will meet the community’s needs and
its revenue will almost offset its expenses.
Obviously, I believe we should rebuild Fisk pool. The reasoning is sound and not based on pure sentiment or nostalgia.
