The Cheltenham Township Board of Commissioners released today updated responses to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the future of Conklin Pool and the proposed new community pool at the Enclave at Melrose.

The 12-page document addresses topics involving ownership and operations, Conklin Pool’s replacement, the site’s location, construction and procurement, finances, and community engagement.

Added to the “Financial Questions” section:

How does the $4.5 million pool investment fit into the Township’s overall budget? (added August 23, 2026)
The $4.5 million investment is a capital expense, meaning it is part of the Township’s long-term program for major infrastructure, facilities, and other significant public investments. It is different from the Township’s day-to-day operating budget, which pays for things like staffing, public safety, and regular services.

Each year, the Township develops a capital budget that includes a number of major projects and infrastructure needs. The pool is one of many capital priorities that must be considered as part of that overall process.

The Board’s decision to pursue the Melrose pool was based in part on the conclusion that $4.5 million is an investment the Township can responsibly consider within its overall capital program, particularly when compared with the significantly higher cost of constructing a comparable standalone replacement pool and the continued cost of maintaining and operating Conklin. The Board has every intention of fully funding the $4.5 million pool investment through the Township’s 2027 capital budget. Funding for the Melrose pool was allocated in the Township’s five year capital plan (see the Township’s 2026 Budget Book for details) and the project expenses will be further reviewed and refined in the upcoming budget process.

The Township must also continue to plan for and invest in other important community facilities and infrastructure. Projects such as the La Mott Community Center and Rowland Community Center are separate priorities with their own planning, budgeting, and potential funding opportunities. The existence of those projects does not mean the Township can only pursue one capital investment at a time. Like many municipalities, Cheltenham must evaluate and prioritize multiple long-term needs within an overall capital plan.

Commissioners noted that some legal questions cannot be discussed in detail at this time due to ongoing litigation. Last week, the township and the developer released a legal memo in response to a lawsuit filed by a resident in July.

The updated version includes the following regarding the township’s legal defense:

Are Township taxpayers paying directly for the Township’s legal defense? (added August 23, 2026)
The Township maintains insurance coverage that provides coverage for legal defense in matters such as the current litigation, subject to the terms, conditions, and limits of the applicable policies. As a result, it is not accurate to suggest that every dollar of legal work associated with the current lawsuits is being paid directly from the Township’s day-to-day operating budget. In fact, the attorneys who are defending the litigation filed by Mr. Thacker have been appointed by, and are being paid by, the Township’s insurance carrier. 

Because litigation is pending, the Township cannot discuss the specific legal issues or strategy in detail.

Can the lawsuits affect the timeline for the new pool? (added August 23, 2026)
Yes. Ongoing litigation, additional court filings, and efforts to delay the project can affect the construction timeline.

Like any major construction project, the Melrose pool requires coordination among engineers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other parties. Development and construction take time, and not every stage of the process is immediately visible to the public. The construction of the new pool is not currently “behind” simply because all aspects of the project are not yet complete or publicly finalized.

However, delays have real consequences. Delayed construction will increase costs, postpone the opening of the new facility, and could jeopardize the Township being able to continue to maintain two swimming pools in future seasons, as costly repairs at Conklin could shutter the pool at any time, especially in light of the fact that it has already exceeded its useful life.

Added to the “Public Process & Community Engagement” section:

How did the Township decide that a community pool was the right amenity for the Melrose site? (added August 23, 2026)
The Township did not begin with a predetermined decision in this regard. As the redevelopment advanced, a number of potential public amenities and combinations of amenities were considered, including community space, library-related uses, and aquatic facilities.

At one point, the possibility of locating a new community center at the Melrose site was also explored. However, as the Township learned more about the significant costs associated with that proposal, it became clear that a new community center at Melrose was not financially realistic. That led to a renewed conversation about the value of keeping and investing in Rowland Community Center in its current location, where it continues to serve Cheltenham Village and East Cheltenham.

At the same time, the Township had been discussing the future of Conklin Pool for many years. Engineering and facilities studies had identified significant long-term challenges at the existing facility, and the Township knew that a major decision about Conklin would eventually be necessary.

As discussions about the Melrose redevelopment continued, the opportunity to address the Township’s need for a future community pool while also securing land and benefiting from infrastructure being built as part of the larger development became increasingly compelling. The Board ultimately concluded that a modern Township-owned pool provided the greatest opportunity to address a known long-term need while making responsible use of the redevelopment opportunity.

How does the new pool at Melrose affect the Township’s commitment to amenities in East Cheltenham and Cheltenham Village? (added August 23, 2026)
The Township recognizes that community amenities are important not only because of what they provide, but also because of where they are located and the communities they serve.

The new pool at Melrose is intended to serve the Township as a whole while taking advantage of a unique redevelopment opportunity. That does not diminish the value of maintaining and improving community assets in Cheltenham Village and East Cheltenham.

The Board is also considering the future of facilities such as Rowland Community Center and other investments in the area. Planning feedback received by the Township has reinforced the importance of preserving community assets and access to amenities in East Cheltenham. These are complementary conversations, not competing ones. The question of where a new Township-wide pool makes the most sense is different from the question of how the Township should continue to invest in and strengthen amenities within individual neighborhoods.

The FAQ responses were first published on Wednesday, August 12. You can also read Glenside Local’s coverage of additional concerns addressed during the Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, August 19.

The full document is below:

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