Pool's First Weekend a Success, Except When a Squirrel Got in the Way

UPDATE: 3:30 p.m. The first weekend at Memorial Park pool went well, according to those who help run it. The weather was good, children played in the water and some relaxed by the water, a book in their hands.

But a squirrel got in the way of some of the fun.

The squirrel took out a couple of phases on a pole nearby that supplies power along North Passaic Avenue on Sunday morning. That affected the pool's panel board, causing it to heat up because there wasn't enough power coming in.

"It wasn't receiving enough electricity to run the right way," Borough Fire Chief Peter Glogolich said.

The heat affected one of the pool's motors, and smoke started coming out. The borough Fire Department was called.

Glogolich said the power was turned off soon afterward. Jersey Central Power & Light came in to check on the matter and eventually restored power.

The pool reopened after 3:30 p.m. It normally opens at noon, but the opening Sunday was delayed because of the mishap.

"Saturday was a beautiful day, and Monday went fine," said Joint Recreation Assistant Director Carol Nauta. "We just had the hitch on Sunday with the squirrel issue."

Nauta said that some pool members came on Sunday anyway to sit by the water and wait for it to reopen. Things, generally, went well during the first few days the pool was open.

She said the pool has taken in $7,000 so far. At a Memorial Park and Pool Committee meeting Tuesday, committee members estimated about 260 people—or about 4 percent of residents—are pool members, while 6 percent of households have memberships.

"The weather was great," Nauta said. "If we didn't have the squirrel hitch, we would have had three beautfiul days."

The pool will begin its normal hours June 23, and will be open during the week starting then.