Petition drive opposes closure of Comstock Pool

Residents living near Comstock Pool on the South Side are organizing opposition to a citizen committee recommendation that Comstock be closed and replaced by a new water park-style pool at Thornton Murphy Park.

Last week, members of the Comstock Pool Preservation Group, gathered about 700 signatures on a petition opposing the committee recommendation.

Parks officials said no decision has been made on pool replacement. A consultant is being sought to help develop the recommendations of an Aquatics Citizens Advisory Committee, which made its proposal to the Parks Department last December.

More public meetings are expected once the consultant is hired.

Closure of Comstock outdoor pool is part of a broader recommendation that includes building a new indoor facility at Joe Albi Stadium or downtown and refurbishing A.M. Cannon, Liberty, Hillyard and Witter pools. Total cost is estimated at $45 million.

“It’s a recommendation that may or may not be implemented,” said Tony Madunich, park operation manager. “We’re still in the stages of listening.”

Park officials hope to develop a plan for updating the city’s aging pools and ask voters for approval, possibly in 2007.

Madunich said that the 1937 Comstock Pool has mechanical and maintenance problems because of its age.

Hannah Franchino, who lives near Comstock and is a leader in the Comstock Pool Preservation Group, said the historic value of Comstock with its arched entrance should be considered. She said Comstock Park is a safer location for children and families and that children would not be able to ride bicycles safely to Thornton Murphy Park if a pool is built there.

“Comstock has much better access, and it’s much safer,” she said.

She said she has four children who use the pool regularly.

“It’s such a community gathering experience to go over there and swim,” she said.