The Williamsport Pool Fund Drive to raise $200,000 for swimming facilities in the city will get underway June 1, according to Edward L Smead, chairman of the fund drive committee.

In making the announcement, Mr. Smead said, “It is now up to the people of the city to determine if the city will have swimming pools.”

Plans tentatively call for two pools, 85,000 square feet in size, to be constructed at Memorial Park and Youngs Wood.

Cost of construction for the pools and accessories have been estimated at $150,000 each.

Once in operation, the pools would be maintained from receipts charged for the use of the pools. Plans call for a modest fee to be charged.

One source of inspiration for the fund drive is a promise of $100,000 from the Williamsport Foundation if the public through its response to the fund drive- that it wants and will support the pools. 

The $100,000, plus the $200,000 to be sought by the pool committee will provide the necessary money needed to build the pools.

James R. Maiolo, vice chairman of the fund committee, said the drive will last two weeks. He said the advanced gifts division headed by Paul W. Reeder, will begin soliciting funds the last week of May.

Other division chairmen named are as follows: Lester F. Bower, professional division; Robert J. McKernan downtown merchants division; Paul W. Warnick, youth activities division; and Councilman Joseph Snowiss, service clubs division.