2017 community service award

Palmer township lions club

Over 55 years ago, the journey began to find land within Palmer Township to enhance our recreation program and with a dream to build a community pool. The site was found in 1964, and Palmer Township purchased 18 acres of land, now known as Briarcliffe Park.

Through the tremendous efforts of the Palmer Lions Club with countless hours of volunteer time and dedication, the dream became a reality. The Palmer Lions Pool opened its doors with a huge celebration on Memorial Day in 1965.

Dave Colver found some fun facts about that experience:
– 18 acres purchased for $60,000.00
– The cost to construct the pool was $145,000.00
– Annual budget to operate was $30,000.00
– There were 25 employees
– It took 400,000 gallons of water to fill the pool

Over the years, Palmer Pool hosted Dip “n” Dances on Monday nights, swim lesson were offered to about 250 children each year, and with the Olympic size 50 meter pool, it was the site of many regional swim meets.

The Lions Club managed the pool for 30 years until the bonds and the mortgage were paid off. It was at that time that they transferred ownership to Palmer Township – “debt free”.

Fast forward to 2016, after years of wear and tear, it was time for improvements to be made. Our Palmer Township Board of Supervisors committed to totally refurbish and enhance the entire pool site. The new pool includes numerous water features, kids splash zone, zero entry access, full handicap accessibility, tube slides, diving board, competition lanes with starting blocks and so much more. The bathrooms were remodeled and multiple shade structures are available around the grounds. BIP donated funds to build a new pavilion next to the snack bar.

To think this all began with the generosity and dedication to our community from the Palmer Lions, and for that we are grateful. We present the 2017 Community Service Award to the Palmer Lions. Accepting the award are Tony Sciacia and Mary Cresseveur.