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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v15n16)
Round the Ripple - by Bill Malcolm
posted: Aug. 03, 2018

Round the Ripple header

Rally To Keep The Broad Ripple Outdoor Pool Open On August 4th At 1 p.m.
Please show your support for preserving the Broad Ripple Park Outdoor Pool by showing up for our rally and media event on Saturday August 4 at the Pool at 1 p.m at the front of the pool.
Everyone is welcome to come show support for keeping the outdoor pool open. This is the day before the pool closes for the season -- if not forever. [Editor: The statement from IndyParks in our previous issue says there is no plan to change the BR Pool schedule next year.]

Round the Ripple - by Bill Malcolm
image courtesy of Bill Malcolm
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As you may have heard, on July 24, the IndyParks Board ok'd the new Broad Ripple Park Master Plan which does not include a replacement for the outdoor pool.
We need to let the Mayor and others know that the idea that a splash park or un-funded indoor pool dream is a non-starter. The outdoor pool is not "too old". No one ever learned to swim at a splash park or "lazy river". Broad Ripple needs amenities for children to learn to swim. There is no funding for an indoor pool. [Editor: The master plan is only a plan document. As stated in the public meetings, there is no funding for any part of the plan's projected 20-year buildout.]
Send your concerns to our City-County Councilor, Colleen Fanning (fanningindy@gmail.com) and the Mayor's Neighborhood Advocate Joel Smith (joel.smith@gmail.com). Sign up on our Facebook site, Friends of Broad Ripple Pool. Also, sign David Dearing's petition to the Mayor.
Tell the Friends of Broad Ripple Park and the Broad Ripple Village Association they need to re-think their view on this matter. Some friend!
Finally, attend the Metropolitan Development Commission meetings on August 1 and August 15 to oppose IndyPark's plan to close the outdoor pool.


Indyparks Statement On Pool Not Included In Master Plan
Alexis Weaver, Marketing Coordinator, for IndyParks responded to my query as follows:
"Although an outdoor pool is not featured in the master plan, you will find several aquatic amenities such as an indoor pool and outdoor water options.
. . . .We are still in the review/approval process for the master plan. . . which involves presentations . . . .the Metropolitan Development Commission (August 1 and 15).


Readers Want The Outdoor Pool To Remain Open
My last column provoked a lot of emails including -
From Dave Dearing, the un-named petition gatherer in my last column:
". . . As I told you previously, someone from the consulting firm told me that Indy Parks directed them NOT to consider a traditional outdoor pool.
Therefore, Indy Parks stacked the deck on that issue.
The process was neither thorough nor inclusive.
. . . Why didn't you press John (of Friends of Broad Ripple Park) to back up his statement about the pool being obsolete? What specifically is wrong with it? Neither he nor Indy Parks has ever said."
From Julie Huffaker: ". . . The setting is so beautiful and so relaxing and for me it would be devastating for it to close. . . .
We need to keep this pool to keep this area vibrant and viable, there's really nothing like it around. It always hurts me to hear of people that never learned to swim, it's a really important skill to have and I really enjoy seeing all the kids having so much fun like I did when I was growing up. .."
From Pam Warren: "This pool has a character unlike any other in our city pool system. It is not too old - the Y and Riviera Club are older, not being abandoned and neither should this one. This pool should be saved and should be valued."


Curb Recycling Fees to Double
Reader Norma Wallman reports curb recycling fees are doubling (from $49 to $99 per year).
When I called Republic, the firm that handles the recycling, they were unable to answer my question since I am not a customer (and they said they don't have a media relations department).
A Google search reveals that indeed the fees are doubling.
Apparently China is no longer accepting our recycling materials, making it difficult for handlers to deal with the materials. This is a nationwide recycling problem, not just Indianapolis. However, in case you wondered, you are not living in Portland or Seattle where recycling is mandatory and part of the normal garbage pick up process and where you are not charged a fee. Indeed, Seattle now requires recycling of even food waste.
For those not wanting to pay extra for curbside recycling or who live in apartments, there are still drop off sites (including by the tennis courts at Broad Ripple Park) to drop off your recyclables for free.





Bill Malcolm also writes a travel column in The Midwest Eagle and is a reporter for All Aboard Indiana (as a volunteer for both). He advocates for fair and affordable utility rates for a national association based in Washington, D.C. He welcomes reader feedback and story ideas. Send to Bill@BroadRippleGazette.com




bill@broadripplegazette.com
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