There's still a chance to own a piece of history

Assistant City Manager Susan Brown (left) and Human Resources Coordinator Kathi Plain pose with bricks they purchased in their families' names as part of a fundraiser the city is conducting to raise money to help pay for amenities at the new pool. Bricks can be purchased for $45 until April 13. (Jason E. Silvers/Tribune)

Area residents still have a chance to own a piece of local history, but the opportunity won't last forever.

Assistant City Manager Susan Brown said the city is selling bricks that were taken from the old bathhouse at the municipal swimming pool, but they will not be available at their current price for long.

The bricks cost $45 each and the purchaser may have wording inscribed -- up to three lines per brick and 13 characters per line. Brown said about 70 bricks have been sold so far, but after April 13, the cost per brick will increase although a cost has not yet been determined.

"We want people to know we're getting ready to cut off sales at that price," she said. "It's an opportunity for somebody to be part of history and yet part of the future, too."

The city salvaged 1,000 bricks and will be placing 500 of them in an entryway of the new aquatic center that is expected to be open by late May. Any of the 500 bricks that are not sold will still be used in the entryway of the new pool, Brown said.

The remaining 500 bricks may be used in the future for other purposes at the pool.

"In the future, if we have a chance for more recognition like that, maybe we'll use the extra for a garden area on the outside of the pool," Brown said.

Extra proceeds will go toward amenities for the pool such as slides, concession stands, a stereo system and improved sidewalks.

"The city would like to continue to provide amenities to the pool," Brown said. "This is an opportunity to raise funds for future improvements."

The old bathhouse, which dated back to 1936, was torn down to make way for a new structure. A new bathhouse is one of three buildings being constructed around the new pool.

Forms are available online at www.fscity.org and can be returned to City Hall. For more information, call City Hall at (620) 223-0550.