Letter to the Editor: Maplewood Pool

The following letter was submitted by Maplewood resident Liz King:

After taking an informal poll among friends and neighbors it is agreed that many of us find the astronomical membership fees for the town pool unworkable in our budgets. From talking to various township staff I understand this has been an ongoing problem for many years.   

South Orange residents pay a fraction of the cost that we Maplewood residents are expected to shoulder. This year they are allowing Maplewood residents to join in South Orange...for the same rate as the Maplewood Pool.   

The idea that Maplewood has to be money grubbing at its residence's expense is outrageous. We pay taxes towards community projects, maybe that should include affordable summer recreation for our families as well?  

Township board members might point out the Springfield Avenue renovation projects as a positive expense.  For example the gazebo put in the park next to the Hilton Library branch, very attractive, yet the last time I walked my dog past it there were empty liquor bottles and a Burger King bag laying beneath it.   

For the expense to taxpayers of that gazebo the township has added a beautified bus shelter. This ironically is in comparison to the hours being reduced at the Hilton Library...due to lack of funding in the budget.

 I'm sure within the red tape someone can defend Maplewood townships spending priorities, but I feel it's shameful when community focus shifts from the family to "keeping up appearances" as Maplewood has apparently done.