By Lynn Rumley
For the Salisbury Post
COOLEEMEE ó Itís still only a dream ó but itís a dream that many in Cooleemee have had for the last five years. The dream is children splashing and swimming in the Olympic-size swimming pool that was built by Erwin Mills in 1949.
To help restore the pool, the townís Recreation Department will host a fundraiser sale starting at 8 a.m. Nov. 19 on the grounds of the Zachary House. A horseshoe tournament starts at 1 p.m.
An old-time chicken stew, black pots and all, will start at 4:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs for a 5 p.m. concert by the Stan Bobbitt Band. No admission will be charged, but the hat will be passed for a love offering.
The town does not yet have a plan for restoring the pool but wants to get a full set of specifications so bids may be taken on the work. Funds are needed for this initial research, and this information is necessary to begin applying for grants.
Cooleemeeís pool was the only one in Davie County for many years and many in the town believe it would attract lots of swimmers from Rowan County as well. The town says it needs a strong marketing and business plan so the pool wonít become a financial burden.
Cooleemeeís Recreation Department staff plant to visit Landis and other towns that successfully operate municipal swimming pools.
ěLots of people have told us they want to see the pool reopen,î Sandra Ferrell, the townís recreation director, said. ěThis will help determine whether there is community support for this project by how many people turn out.î