Hidden Gem

How many folks outside of Renovo know that there is an indoor pool within the town limits? How long has this pool been existence? Looking back at historical records, it appears that it has been there for over 67 years.

This is part of a 1944 document celebrating the YMCA in Renovo and can be found at http://www.renovoheritage.org/documents/44YEARS.PDF  Click on photo to enlarge

Great quote in the document in which Mr. William V. Amig, President of the Renovo Y. M.C. A. states, "Every child in this community should be able to swim."

Not much has changed at this pool.  Here are two pictures below taken on February 4, 2011. It looks like it hasn’t changed much when compared to the historical document above.  Probably the only thing that has changed is the ownership.  There is no longer a YMCA in Renovo but the community feels that recreation is important to families and youth.  The pool is now part of the Western Clinton County Recreation Authority

Here is the irony. Renovo has been a town that has been hit hard over the past several decades with the demise of the railroad industry. But the community leaders have felt that providing recreational opportunities for families and youth is important. Now contrast that philosophy to Montoursville and Mill Hall, neither of which has suffered economically like Renovo. Follow the pool closing in Montoursville here, here, and here or the pool mess in Mill Hall here, here, and here.

Look at the picture below very closely. In the background you’ll notice frac tanks which are being filled with water for hydro fracturing for the Marcellus Gas Industry. In the foreground is the former Montoursville outdoor pool slowly being filled in. Priorities Set!

Click on photo to enlarge

At one time, the Renovo area had a very strong swim team. Below is a newspaper clipping showing Jersey Shore losing to Renovo in a dual meet in the summer of 1981. The indoor pool was clearly an advantage as it allowed Renovo swimmers to swim year round (The Jersey Shore High School pool was not built yet and JS are swimmers only had the outdoor pool during the summer months).

Click on photo to enlarge
Photo courtesy of Steve Sheets family