City officials say they will wait on a recommendation from the Natchez Recreation Council before deciding on the fate of Duncan Park Pool.

In August, the council and city recreation director Ralph Tedder asked the board of aldermen to close the pool until repairs could bring it in compliance with national health standards.

But Mayor F.L. &uot;Hank&uot; Smith said he wants to wait until the council presents a recommendation this spring before saying whether the pool will open June 1.

&uot;I would be willing to agree with whatever they come up with,&uot; he said.

Jake Middleton, Ward 6 alderman and recreation committee chairman, said he is aware of the pool’s condition and the amount of work needed to bring it up to standard.

Though it is still too early to say whether residents will find another place to cool off this summer, Middleton said &uot;it doesn’t look good for the pool.&uot;

In the meantime, both Middleton and Smith said they are receptive to the idea of constructing a new pool funded jointly by the city, Adams County and the Natchez-Adams School District.

Tedder has suggested that the city, county and school district form an interlocal agreement allowing them to build an indoor pool and facility on the grounds of Natchez High School at an estimated cost of $3 million.

Unlike an outdoor pool, an indoor facility, or natatorium, could remain open year-round and serve city and county residents as well as students, Tedder said.

&uot;If something like that could be put together, yeah, I’m for it,&uot; Smith said.

Also in favor of such a project, Middleton pointed out that county residents already use Duncan Park pool, as well as other city-funded recreation programs.

&uot;What I would like to see is joint city-county recreation,&uot; he said.

According to a 1998 survey, 2,452 city residents used Duncan Park pool over the course of the summer, compared to 1,426 county residents living outside city limits.

Adams County Supervisor Darryl Grennell said he supports the idea of a cooperative pool project &uot;100 percent.&uot;

&uot;If the county government can take $2.7 million to lock kids up, then we can give them something to do to,&uot; Grennell said referring to the Adams County juvenile justice center now under construction.

&uot;Because the old saying is true, idle minds are the devil’s playground.&uot;

He said studies show a direct link between lack of public recreation and high crime.

Also, Grennell said he is worried that if Duncan Park Pool closes and no alternative is available, children will turn to lakes and ponds for swimming, which could be dangerous.

Though it’s a &uot;grand idea,&uot; Supervisor Thomas &uot;Boo&uot; Campbell said he does not know how the county could contribute.

&uot;It would be a grand idea of we could do something like this for the community, but I don’t know where the money would come from,&uot; Campbell said, adding that the board has not discussed the proposal.