Pool reopening symbolizes return to normalcy in Beida

Photo By Staff Sgt. Zachary Mott | The Beida neighborhood muqtar, or leader, cuts a ribbon, Aug. 26, 2008, to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Al Asafah pool complex in the Beida neighborhood of northern Baghdad. The complex, which was once a bastion for anti-Iraqi forces, was given a $200,000 face-lift and is now enjoying an eight-fold increase in patronage compared to the same time-frame in 2007.  

IRAQ

08.27.2008

Story by Sgt. Zachary Mott 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By Sgt. Zach Mott
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

BEIDA, Iraq – In what was once a recruiting hotbed for terrorist and special groups elements in northern Baghdad, community leaders gathered to celebrate the grand reopening of a pool complex that now serves as a spot of relief for residents.

The Al Asafah pool complex was in such a state of disrepair that residents had long stopped patronizing the pool and squatters had taken up residence there, with some even raising sheep on the pool deck; additionally, the pool hall located inside the main building had become a makeshift recruiting center for extremists.

"One of the first patrols we went on was to go assess this pool," said Capt. Clint Rusch, fire support officer for Company C, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. "In the counter-insurgency environment, this is the enemy's strong point – the ability to provide necessary services to the populace.

Rusch, who along with his unit began operations here in early February, described the scene at the compound of putrid smelling water filling the three pools, a decrepit looking concession stand and a crumbling outer wall.

After that initial patrol, Rusch conferred with Maj. Olaf Shibusawa, Steel Company's assigned civil affairs officer, and started hatching a plan of how to make changes there.

Major renovations included repairing the outer wall, remodeling shower rooms and refurbishing the concession stand. Once the other minute details were decided upon, a contract was awarded and work began in early March. But after hostilities flared up in Sadr City in late March, work was halted for five weeks.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, Aug. 26, 2008, marked the official re-opening of the complex, but its doors have been able to remain open for business during refurbishment, collecting about $2 per admission. The accompanying pool hall also remains open and is a popular hangout for residents.

"Our contractor didn't want to drain the pool completely when kids are still using it, so he was able to set it up so the kids could swim while construction was going on. They were working 24 hours a day on the project," said the Bloomington, Minn., native.

Attendance at the Al Asafah pool is up more than eight times the same time period in 2007.
Once the rainy season begins and the pool is no longer being used, Rusch said the pools will be drained and the tile replaced.

"The perfect end state would be that the project becomes self-sufficient – it doesn't require any American influence to be able to continue," Rusch said.

He said the pool is already headed in that direction as workers there are able to operate the pumps and are properly cleaning the filters.

"We work hard to satisfy our clients," said Hader Hameed Majid, the Iraqi contractor who oversaw the $200,000 project, adding that he uses some of his profit margin on each project to give something back.

"I don't lose anything if I cut a share from my profits and give it here for my country," Hader said.
Rusch said he hopes that this pool will become a destination much the same as swimming pools serve for American children.

"We want the community to have the ability to experience a part of childhood that every kid should have," he said.

• Date Taken: 08.27.2008
• Date Posted: 08.27.2008 10:08
• Story ID: 22923
• Location: IQ