Commentary by Don Seal
The current pool at Forest Park has been a source of community pride since it was constructed in the mid-1970s. What many people don’t know is that this spectacular facility is not operated by the Noblesville Parks and Recreation Dept.
The pool was built by Hamilton County. From construction to the late 1990’s, Central Pool, as it was known then, was operated by the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Dept. The county’s mission had evolved and they wanted out of the active recreation business.
A local organization of competitive swimmers, the Noblesville Adult Swim Team, Inc. offered to take over the management, upkeep and operation. NASTI, under the very capable leadership of Doug Church, formed a private not-for-profit named “Friends of Central Pool.”
The friends group knew that admission fees at public pools rarely generated enough funds to meet expenses and that Central Pool was no exception. They knew fund raising would be a prime part of their mission. During the years, friends solicited contributions and hosted many fund raising events. Four years ago they had an idea for a new event, Brewfest.
The inaugural Brewfest was held at the Moose Lodge and proved to be successful at raising money and promoting support for the pool the had been renamed the Forest Aquatic Center. Brewfest was chaired by Bill Schleifman.
That next spring Schleifman came to me with a proposal. He asked if they could host the event at Forest Park. After being approved, the group was thrilled and Brewfest moved to Forest Park. This year’s event is 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at shelter No. 1. Friends of Central Pool have solicited support from dozens of beer distributers and breweries with Vintage Spirits and Runner’s Forum as title sponsors.
The Noblesville Parks Foundation was looking for an event that would get their name out. Brandon Bennett, foundation board member, had participated in a “beer run” and suggested that such an event held in conjunction with Brewfest could help both organizations. Knowing Runners Forum was involved in Brewfest made an idea for a running event a natural fit.
Friends of Central Pool agreed and the foundation decided host the inaugural “Hops Trot” just prior to Brewfest on Sept. 27. The event will be a non-competitive “running event” and a costume contest. Industrial Dialectics International signed on as Keg Sponsor. It will start at 2:30 p.m. at shelter No. 3. There will be three “Hops Stops” along the roughly two-mile route and the event will end at shelter No. 1. All entrants must be 21. To register, visit www.signmeup.com.
