Union C.O.G. Pool, Sligo, PA

Contact Information:

PO Box 340, Sligo, PA 16255

(814) 745-2074

Park History (sources include park brochure and program from Rich Vidunas Pavilion dedication service):

In 1976, the Clarion County boroughs of Sligo, Rimersburg and East Brady, along with the townships of Madison, Toby & Piney, joined together to form the Union Council of Governments. The group's goal was to "retain and strengthen our local governments while combining our local resources for regional challenges."

The founders were Carl Buterbaugh (Sligo), Arthur James (Rimersburg), Harold Butler (Madison), William Charney (Toby), and Clyde Myers (Piney).

The greatest effort of the COG began in 1977, when it acquired nearly seven acres of land in Sligo for the construction of a 4,625-square-foot swimming pool and large recreational park. The Union Pool Park opened in the summer of 1979 and has been an important asset to Southern Clarion County for more than a quarter century. Prior to this period, the nearest swimming facility was the Alcola Pool opened for the Redbank Valley residents in 1959. Richard Vidunas & Donald Stemmerich, Rimersburg & Sligo playground directors, organized weekly trips for the half-hour bus ride for swimming recreation.

Sligo's pool was opened in 1979 with Rich Vidunas serving as manager for the next ten years.

The Union Council of Governments, now comprised of Sligo, Rimersburg, & East Brady boroughs, continues to work for the betterment of the region by providing on of the few pool parks in the area, complete with picnic pavilions, a playground and beautiful grounds.

Current (2005) COG Council Members are: Chuck Marsh and alternate Barbara Barger of Sligo; Mary Ann Wise and alternate Pam Curry of Rimersburg; Mary Lou Wyman of East Brady; Treasurer Cathy Walzak; and Facility Coordinator; Jim Barger.

"The Traveler's News" (1990)

The Union COG Pool Park is ready for another busy season of activity. Located in a peaceful wooded area just off Route 58, next to the Sligo Elementary School in Sligo, the park ofers not only swimming facilities, but also has pavilions available for family reunions, employee picnics, parties, or informal meetings. A third pavilion has been completed and the fourth one will be finished by early summer. (Swimming privileges can be arranged for a small additional fee). Pavilion reservations and season passes can be arranged by contacting manager Cheryl Myers at 814-745-2019 or 814-745-2424.

Pool rates are: Adults, $2.50; Children 3-17, $1.50; Children under 3, $1.00; Sr. Citizens, $1.50; Spectators, $1.00; Family Rates, Head of Household, $35.00 plus $5.00 for each dependent; Night Swim Rates, $2.00 each except for pass holders and those who used the pool that day. They will pay $1.00

RICHARD VIDUNAS PAVILLION DEDICATION — May 2005 — Photo: crowd begins gathering for the dedication of the Richard Vidunas pavilion. Molly Wise performed musical selections. Mark Rummel, Don Stemmerich, Jim Barger, John Corsini, Rich's wife (Geraldine) and son (Joseph) Vidunas shared fond memories of Rich not only in his tenure as pool manager, but his life as a coach, father, teacher, and active member of the community. Rich's comical personality and the joy he spread to all who knew him was easily seen in the smiles and laughter that everyone bore as they recalled their experiences with him. Ed Myers was recognized for his work on the pavilion and memorial sign. Special thanks were also extended to Bloom Town and Klingensmith's.

UNION C.O.G. POOL

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MISCELLANEOUS PHOTOS

Vonda Taylor-Malizia (former lifeguard of the Union COG pool), Vanessa Vidunas (daughter of Rich Vidunas and former lifeguard), and Pamela Myers-Grewell (former COG employee and grand-daughter of one of the pool founders, Clyde Myers) pose for a photo at the dedication 2005.

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2/22/2007 Piney Township withdraws from Union COG (L-V)

SLIGO - The Union Council of Governments - at one time a robust organization comprised of 11 area municipalities - lost one of its four remaining members last week as Piney Township announced its decision to drop out.

The withdrawal leaves the COG, which oversees the operation of the Union Pool Park in Sligo, in the hands of Sligo, Rimersburg and East Brady boroughs.

COG members discussed the township's pullout during their Feb. 22 meeting at the Sligo Recreation Center.

1989: Larry Piper, Mike Vereb, & Ed Myers begin construction on the Lesher Pavilion. Below: Lesher Pavilion construction in progress.

Lifeguards at the Union COG Pool for the 1990 season: Bruce Summerville (seated), Gina Radaker, Scott Sheraw, and Jennifer Wiles. Cheryl Myers, manager, not pictured. Photo by Patricia Mortimer.