The Double Cost

Of Summer Recreation

To the Editor:

You ran an article about Eichler’s cove [“Secluded Cove And Beach At Eichler’s Cove Remain Largely Unused By Newtown’s Swimmers,” August 22]. Does the town really want people to use it? I checked it out, and it is lovely. I expected to be able to launch a boat there or rent a slip. It’s nearly the same ride to Candlewood lake to a free boat launch on a wider, more usable body of water. I expected to be able to swim at Treadwell or Eichler’s with one pass. When Dickinson was opened I swam there if it was clean at the beginning of the season and sometimes used the lap lane at Treadwell. I could not use it daily because of weather and work schedule. I could not use it before work because it was not opened for adults or anyone else in hours outside of school schedule. All Newtowners do not operate only between the hours of 11 and 6. Matter of fact, the hours of operation inhibit joining.

I tried to buy a day pass to try Eichler’s, but at the recreation office one can only buy a full set of daily passes at a prohibitive cost. Your article stated, “Costs could have been another concern. Unlike the general pass offered in the past for access to both Treadwell and Dickinson pools, passes for Treadwell and Eichler’s Cove are separate. A family pass to Treadwell or to Eichler’s is $140 individually. A combined pass is $230.”

With such high taxes in Newtown why is there a double cost to the summer recreation area? One must buy a pass to swim and buy a separate boat launch pass. A trial free week may attract town folk to Eichler’s, then you might sell a membership...but reduce the cost. Until then Candlewood is warm and welcoming and nearby.

C. Polard

5 Point O Rocks Road, Newtown                                August 24, 2008