Friends of Cranford Pools – Keep Cranford Swimming!
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Help Save Centennial Ave Pool – A Friends of Cranford Pools Community Effort to Keep Cranford Swimming!
Hi, I’m Lisa Williams, a former Cranford special education teacher, coach, and advisor who worked for Cranford Public Schools for 10 years. I began working in Cranford in 2012, and my family and I moved here in 2017, drawn to the town’s strong sense of community and the many opportunities it offers its residents. Like so many others, I believe Centennial Ave Pool is an essential part of Cranford—a place where families connect, kids learn to swim, and neighbors come together each summer.
Now, the pool is at risk of permanent closure, with an estimated $400,000 needed to complete necessary repairs and reopen for the season. The recent public meeting about Centennial Pool’s future drew a significant turnout, reinforcing how much this space means to our community. However, there is still no clear financial breakdown or transparent timeline from town officials regarding a final decision.
Rather than rush into closure, we are advocating for a community-driven solution:
✅ Open the pool for the upcoming season while a long-term plan is developed.
✅ Work collaboratively with town officials to create a transparent and financially responsible five-year plan for Centennial Pool’s future.
UPDATE as of 2.19.2025
I attended the Town Workshop meeting on February 18th at 7 PM, where I personally spoke with Mayor Curran and was given the green light to continue this fundraiser. It was stated during the meeting that while the town cannot organize a fundraiser for a utility, they can accept a donation from an individual. Now having this information, I hope to see our donations increase as we await the town’s final decision. Will we open both pools for the 2025 season?
UPDATE as of 4.5.2025
We are excited to announce the formation of Friends of Cranford Pools, a volunteer group dedicated to preserving and revitalizing both Centennial Avenue Pool and Orange Avenue Pool through collaborative community engagement.
Donations from this GoFundMe are now being used to support initiatives led by Friends of Cranford Pools that aim to:
- Increase overall pool membership
- Enhance seasonal programming and special events
- Attract residents and surrounding communities to renew for years to come
We believe in full transparency. Here is a breakdown of how the $6,366.97 raised so far has been allocated:
Category / Allocation
CFC Clients - $1,000.00
Hardship-Based Assistance - $500.00
Fundraising and Givebacks - $2,433.48
Marketing Efforts - $1,216.74
Centennial Avenue Pool Improvements - $1,216.74
Current Total = $6,366.97
The efforts of Friends of Cranford Pools are focused on creating a memorable summer while advocating for a sustainable long-term future for both pools. We are grateful to all the volunteers and donors who are stepping up to keep this essential part of Cranford thriving.
How You Can Help:
- Donate – Every contribution, big or small, shows our collective support.
- Spread the Word – Share this campaign with neighbors, friends, and local businesses.
- Stay Informed – Be aware of town meetings and decisions
- Get Involved – Join Friends of Cranford Pools or help advocate with town officials to ensure our pools stay open and successful.
Cranford deserves thoughtful planning, not rushed decisions. Let’s work together to keep Centennial Ave Pool open this summer—and safeguard it for generations to come!
#SaveCentennialPool #KeepCranfordSwimming
Organizer
Lisa Stinemire
Organizer
Cranford, NJ