03/30/2026
On Wednesday the U/A BOC will vote on extending the expired Mechanicsburg Pool Agreement another year. In 2007, Borough Councilman John McDermitt approached the Upper Allen Township Board of Commissioners seeking financial assistance to save the Mechanicsburg Pool. He cited the high cost of necessary repairs and noted that a significant number of Township residents relied on the facility. In response, I helped draft an agreement where the Township pledged $50,000 annually for 20 years.
In exchange for this investment, the Borough agreed to three conditions:
Equal Membership Rates: Township residents would pay the same rates as Borough residents (a promise they kept).
Financial Accountability: The Borough was to provide annual comprehensive financial reports. Despite yearly requests, only one report was provided in 20 years.
Joint Oversight: A Joint Capital Committee was to be established to review all improvements. This committee never met.
In 2024, 234 passes were sold to Township residents, resulting in a total savings of approximately $22,992—far less than the Township’s $50,000 contribution. Given this Board’s stated concerns regarding 2026 spending and the potential cancellation of the Grantham Park update, I question the logic of continuing to fund the Mechanicsburg Pool. The Borough has proven to be an unreliable partner; prioritizing their facility over our own parks is a concerning direction for this Board.
