Totally Unsurprising News

Construction delays push back opening of Souderton pool
Published: Sunday, May 15, 2011
By Emily Morris, For The Reporter

This is an old story, and because I'm a fair-minded fellow, I didn't point out the latest stumble in the "new pool" fiasco in Souderton. But now... well, continue reading, won't you?

Councilman Jeff Gross said he also wanted it stressed that “shoddy tile work” would not be acceptable if that aspect of the project is delayed until last minute.

Oh, heavens! "Shoddy" tile work! This should definitely be the primary concern. I often select my pool due to the quality of its tile work.

“The reality is school’s still going to be in session until June 20,” [Borough Manager Mike] Coll said.

Oh, so it's okay then. Never mind that this pool, as the Mayor said, will give the "dreams of hope" to "thousands of people of Indian Valley." It can wait, no big.

Souderton pool opening delayed again to June 20
Published: Friday, May 20, 2011
By Emily Morris & Erin DuBois
Staff Writers

This comes as a surprise to no one. What a difference five days can make! Now the reason is "bad weather," but staff is "very comfortable" with the new date. I certainly believe them.

People have been hesitant to buy a membership until they know definitely when the pool will open, Coll said. Extending the discount period “takes the confusion” out of purchasing a membership. “It gives a comfort level because there is no real rush to buy,” Coll said.

So the thinking here is that people are not buying memberships because they feel "rushed." Therefore, delaying the opening of the pool... will actually COMFORT people... into buying! Seriously. This is how the people running Souderton think.

While [membership sales] aren’t selling as well as Coll said he would like, he expects they will pick up toward the end of the month and as the weather gets warmer.

But I thought people weren't buying because there was such a rush to buy! Here's a suggestion: people aren't buying memberships because, by the time the pool finally opens, they'll only be able to use it for, like, four weeks.

“Changes are happening so quickly now,” Councilman Jeff Gross said, encouraging council and residents to keep an eye on progress.

In fact the only change NOT happening quickly is the pool changing from "closed" to "open." If only we could go back to the days when this story was published:

Souderton pool should be 'operational' for May 30 opening
Published: Thursday, April 21, 2011

Seems like the delays are the changes that happen most quickly, eh?