The Superior Express -

The Blue Hill Swimming Pool closed for the final time Saturday night. It almost closed a number of years ago when the community’s golf course organization defaulted on a loan. At that time, the property was sold to a private investor who planned to turn the property in a home and horse pasture.

But an arrangement was made to give the community continued access to the pool and the golf course was reorganized. This time it appears the 55-year-old pool will not be reopened. That isn’t bad news. Work is expected to start this fall on a new swimming pool.

The new pool will be located on the site of the former grade school. This is a more central location and should remove some of the safety concerns associated with the old pool which was located at the east edge of town. To reach it, most Blue Hill residents had to cross Highway 281.

The new pool will have a nearly $3 million price tag. Of this amount, the fund drive is still lacking $345,000.

A Last Splash Party was held Saturday. It was a collaboration of people involved with the pool, the city office, the pool project committee, the golf course, the community foundation, the booster club and many local residents and businesses. The festivities included a meal, midnight swim, music and festive decorations.