GARA outlines plans for July 4 fireworks * Reconsiders Again a Public Pool at the Rec Park * Firemans Carnival News

The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) is finalizing plans for the July 4th Fireworks to be held in the rec park.

The board said a number of food trucks have been invited. “Pizza, popcorn, and cheese steaks are in the mix,” said GARA Executive Director Erin Peddigree.

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There will also be musical entertainment.  The board said the local band Schizophonic will play at the amphitheater.

I know there’s a lot of interest,” said board member and Borough Council President Jake Schindel.

Board member Robin Fitzpatrick said a number of local organizations were supportive of the event. “It’s not just GARA,” she said.

Parking in the rec park will be $5 cash/$6 credit.

Fireman’s Carnival

Peddigree announced the Fireman’s Carnival had been canceled again this year. Schindel said nothing was certain but he felt the carnival would not be coming back in the future. “I have a feeling that’s not going to be a thing anymore, unfortunately. We should take it year by year but we’re probably at the end of that ride.”

New Public Pool Considered

Schindel said that with millions of dollars in federal funding being directed to the borough and the county it was time to reconsider the possibility of a swimming pool or other type of summer water feature in the rec park.  Schindel said there was only one public pool in the county – in Littlestown.

Schindel said the possibility of a pool had been discussed in the 1960s and 1970s and was mentioned in the Gettysburg comprehensive plan. “It would greatly increase the exposure at the rec park,” said Schindel.

Board members said a pool had been considered many times in the past, but had always failed to gain approval. Board member Steve Niebler said he had been part of three prior attempts to bring a pool but that it was problematic for many reasons including cost and because of its location in the borough near the 3rd Ward.

“If we’re ever going to have a public pool in this county, we need to keep pushing,” said Schindel.  “It could be something that brings more of the county together,” said Fitzpatrick.

Peddigree said the park restrooms and water fountains are now open, that sports activities are in full swing, and that there had been many pavilion rentals, including birthday parties, wedding rehearsals, and tourist groups.

Attorney Needed

GARA is looking for an attorney to represent it.

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Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.

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Jennifer Mickelson
Jennifer Mickelson
2 years ago

Public pools are extremely expensive to build and maintain. There is also the liability factor, lifeguards, water, chemicals, etc. The cost to maintain a pool should not fall on the Gettysburg Borough taxpayers. There’s a reason the pool at the old country club closed and there is no public pool around. It costs too much. Join the Y and use the indoor pool. If you want a pool you are going to have to pay for it…all of it. Again it shouldn’t fall on the borough residents to support a pool.

Dawna McGlynn
Dawna McGlynn
2 years ago

Perhaps they should consider reopening the outdoor pool near Gettysburg Spa.

Laura Borth
Laura Borth
2 years ago

Article not clear on why 3rd ward is not a good location?

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