Walnutport plans to support the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool in its quest to obtain a grant to renovate its swimming pool.

Jessica Mack, president of the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association, discussed the state of the pool with borough council on Thursday.

Mack told council that work was done on the pool located at Victory Park in Slatington in 2015 by Sergio Pools at a cost of about $90,000.

However, Mack, who was joined by fellow board member Chris Leslie, said that in 2016, the pool started to crack.

She said the last time Sergio Pools came to fix the issues, they gave them a bill and said they would no longer come back without charging.

Mack said the pool did not open last year because of COVID-19, and that after getting a few estimates in the fall from several companies for repairs, the companies suggested a complete renovation, and it was decided not to reopen this year.

She said that the group currently has about $59,000 in its bank account, but added it costs about $10,000 a year for insurance whether the pool opens or not.

Mack said that one of the estimates they received was for $175,000, which does not include the cost of replacing the filtration system.

She said they have reached out to state Sen. Pat Browne and state Rep. Zach Mako.

“We’re just here to make everyone aware, get some support from these communities,” Mack said. “There are some grant opportunities we are trying for.”

Mack said that a PA DCED Greenways, Trails & Recreation Program grant request could be up to $250,000.

Borough grant coordinator Michael Wentz told council he believes it would be beneficial if the borough would write a letter stating they’re in favor of the grant.

Mack said they also approached Slatington Borough Council and Washington Township supervisors to see that there’s local support.

The pool was started in 1963.

Mack said a GoFundMe account was created earlier this year to benefit the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association.

As of this morning, $2,025 of the $200,000 goal had been raised.