The swimming pool in the West End Park has not been maintained in several years. In its current state, city officials view it as an eyesore and a hazard, but to community members it’s part of their history.

Michael Bell is a long time resident of the west side of New Iberia. Although his mind is filled with childhood memories of the pool, his main concern is for the children of today.

New Iberia Mayor Hilda Curry says the pool has been a hazard in the two years it’s been closed.  She says if the city had to buy dirt and haul it to the pool site, it would cost about $150,000. Curry says fixing it is beyond repair and the city has the opportunity to work with Armenco Canal Project to use the dirt from that project to fill in the pool at no cost to the city.

Like Bell, in an effort to have voices heard, community leaders and residents will boost a protest in West End Park on Saturday.