Swimmers Will Get Less For More

To the Editor:

We just received our Newtown Parks and Recreation Spring and Summer preview. While we knew that Dickinson Pond would be closing and that Eichler’s Cove would be opening, we were shocked to see that the price for a family town pool pass has gone up from $120 per year to $140 per year and that the tiny beach at Eichler’s Cove, where there will be no lifeguard staff, is not included in that price and will cost $5 per person per day, on a first come, first served basis.

How is it possible that the town’s swimming facilities have been decreased by half and yet the cost to families has increased by 17 percent? Without the costs of maintaining Dickinson Pond and paying for a lifeguard staff there and considering that the marina slips at Eichler’s Cove are bringing in income that we didn’t have last year, how can it be that Newtown families will have to pay 17 percent more for the privilege of being cramped into Treadwell Pool as the primary swimming facility in town?

Joanne Marcinek

22 Honey Lane, Sandy Hook                                   March 14, 2006