South Modesto Community Pool May Stay Dry With Costly Code Problems
MODESTO (CBS13) — The only community swimming pool in South Modesto may stay dry this summer unless it can get up to code with the Stanislaus County Health Department.
The Salvation Army's Red Shield Center pool was built decades ago after several child drownings.
"This pool was built 45 years ago, because of all the accidental drownings in the area," said Lt. Quinton Markam of Modesto's Salvation Army. "It was intended for that purpose to get them out of the canals and into a supervised swimming area."
The pool, however, no longer meets safety and health requirements by the county health department. The entire pool needs to be replastered and retiled.
"We want replace the deck here, it's got some major cracks. Some drainage issues. In addition, our pump is completely gone," said Markam.
The cost is $235,000. The Salvation Army has a contractor and is in the process of getting city permits, but needs the funds.
A group of local politicians, including Rep. Jeff Denham, Mayor Ted Brandvold, and Assemblyman Adam Gray, will pay to play a basketball game against the Salvation Army's local kids.
"It's $2,500 a player to play," said Jeremiah Williams, chairman of the Community Action Coalition, which is putting on the event.
The charity basketball game will be held Thursday at 5:30pm at the Salvation Army Red Shield Center on Las Vegas Street. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.