Tehachapi News

TVRPD: Local officials working to re-open city's pool

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Tehachapi High School Assistant Principal Paul Press is hoping to make the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District an offer it can't refuse.

Press said during a TVRPD board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 20 he wanted to explore the possibility of a partnership with the district in hopes of reopening the Dye Natatorium pool for use by the high school swim team.

The high school is willing to pay, too. Press said the school would be willing to shell out $3,000 per month starting in February to use to pool.

“The community could have their pool back,” said Press, who requested to be placed on the agenda for the board's next meeting.

Last year, the high school trained at the Bear Valley Springs community pool. There were no official discussions between the school and the district as of last week.

No official reopening date has been set. The Dye Natatorium has been closed since four juveniles vandalized it with skateboards and bicycles in January.

“They will do some sort of time,” district manager Gary Opfermann said.

Opfermann said the district requested that those charged serve community service in lieu of jail time.

“We will be reimbursed,” he said.

Regardless of who gets the first dip, Tehachapi resident and swim coach Brian Patton said he just wants to see people in the pool again soon.

“It's frustrating to see it empty,” Patton said. “It's a real asset to have an indoor pool.”

Board Chairman Chris Olofson said he shared Patton's opinion on the pool.

“Our goal is to get that pool up and running,” he said.

Opfermann said the district was looking into revising its master plan for the pool, last updated in 1992. He said he would call on district members, city officials and residents to help draft a new plan as soon as possible.

“We want it open,” district board member Deborah Hand said.

Patton said he remembered past years when there would be “a foot of snow on the ground” and swimmers would be able to practice indoors.

“I really hope it all works out,” Patton said.

Board approves Eagle Scout's veterans project

The board voted unanimously to approve a project proposed by a local Eagle Scout that would replace the flagpole and veterans plaque at Philip Marx Central Park.

Troop No. 3 scout Hans Gripkey said a new, larger plaque would be installed in place of the old one, which would be donated to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars hall.

The new plaque would include extra space to honor the names of local service men and women who have died in foreign wars.

Gripkey said he hoped to have most of the materials for the project donated, and that the new pole and plaque would be finished by Memorial Day next May.

The project would also include three benches, which City Manager Greg Garrett said he would happily donate.

“We're extremely happy to be a part of it,” Garret said. “He had his act together. I was so impressed.”

Garrett said each bench carried a value of $400 and would be the “high-quality, long-lasting” green benches seen around town.

“Any time someone wants to do something for the veterans, we're obviously for it,” he said.