No Real Bathhouse, Again

The Glen Ridge Community Pool will apparently open its third season without a permanent bathhouse. During the pool’s first season in 2003, which opened weeks behind schedule in late July, temporary toilet structures were erected, and a bathhouse was promised for the following year. Last year, the temp toilets returned, after word that the bidding process had begun too late for construction on a permanent bathhouse to begin.

Now comes news that for a third season there will be no permanent bathhouse — this time because all the bids for the project came in higher than expected. According to the pool website:

After three disappointing attempts, with bids far exceeding our budget each time and coming in at the $600,000 to $900,000 range, the decision has been made to not build a permanent poolhouse this season. We are looking into a temporary “modular” structure for the bathrooms (which would have real plumbing) and a office trailer.

In a newsletter sent to pool members, it was also revealed that the borough of Glen Ridge will now start handling back-office functions for the pool. These functions, like bookkeeping, were formerly handled by volunteers.

In addition to a third year of temporary toilets, pool members should brace for a noisy summer poolside. The Matchless Metals building, just up the hill from the pool’s sliding board, has been purchased by — who else? — Steve Plofker, along with Ridger Curtis Schade. They’re turning the brick building into condos.

The pool’s annual membership meeting is Tuesday night at 8 pm at the Ridgewood Ave. School cafeteria.