Although the walls and waters of Whitehall Township's three public swimming pools are a bright blue, they're operating in a sea of red.

In a report released Monday at the township commissioners meeting, Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said a financial accounting was performed on the summer programs run by the township.

"The pools, once again, will run in the red for about $100,000," Hozza stated. The township has three pools – Cementon, Parkview and Jefferson.

The pools provide a service to residents and are not expected to operate in the black. However, township officials were anticipating less of a loss because the summer was hot and there was not much rain.

It was reported Camp Whitehall, which this summer was run at Cementon and Jefferson parks, also operated in the red.

"Camp Whitehall, at a minimum, will run a deficit of $10,000 to $15,000." Hozza said. The camp used to have a third location but it has since been discontinued.

On a related note, Hozza said the youth martial arts and yoga programs are under way, as is the indoor family and adult swim and aqua aerobics program at the Whitehall High School pool.

Township personnel continue to make minor repairs and perform daily maintenance to parks and playgrounds. Replacement parts for play structures have been ordered and scheduled for installation.

Planning has been initiated for repairs at the Schadt Avenue and Hokey Park basketball courts. The Board of Commissioners were informed of the possible roof replacement at the Schadt Avenue Playground and Park. The Hokey Park restroom project is now completed.

Township employees assigned to parks and recreation work continue with daily maintenance along the Ironton Rail-Trail.

Hozza said the recreation commission has a meeting scheduled at the municipal building on Monday, Oct. 22. The meeting is open to the public.