To the Editor:

It is disappointing to see the Friends of Catasauqua Parks group dissolved, according to a recent Catasauqua Press article. The group was formed a number of years ago to raise money to save the Catasauqua public swimming pool. At that time, there were early discussions to possibly close the borough pool.

During public comments at Catasauqua council meetings, residents expressed a desire to keep the pool open. Addressing council, one person even said her family recently moved to Catasauqua and the pool was a major draw to move to the borough. This person then successfully ran for Catasauqua Borough Council.

This elected official was instrumental in starting the committee to save the pool. Reality intervened, and it was understood the pool renovation bill might be $2-3 million, so the new fundraising committee might have to sell two or three million hot dogs and sodas to save the pool.

This civic-minded group then transformed itself from a swimming pool focus into the Friends of Catasauqua Parks. It held fundraising efforts that, in aggregate, raised nearly $20,000 over several years to improve the parks.

No reasons were offered for the dissolution of the Friends of Catasauqua Parks.

The loss of this important group is not only the dollars they raised for the parks but also groups like this who can demonstrate staying power add value to the Catasauqua community as a vehicle for involvement in the community, community pride and an investment in Catasauqua.

Hopefully, this group of volunteers, a number of whom are Catasauqua council members, can figure out how to regenerate their important former effort. If not, Catasauqua has a number of solid, longtime community-spirited groups like Catasauqua Main Streets, Friends of the Public Library of Catasauqua and Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association that would gladly absorb the members of the former Friends of Catasauqua Parks into their organizations.

Bill Leiner Jr.

Coplay