Step 1: Analysis
With the support of an aquatics consultant, the city considered and assessed four options for the pool's future. Solutions included:
- Reinvestment: significant investment in the existing facility, mostly health, safety, and structural upgrades
- Replacement: significant investment in a new pool facility, including new layout and amenities, on the same site as the existing pool
- Relocation: a new pool facility is built at a different site within the community, possibly in connection with a community or recreation center facility. We should note that no site has been identified, and a community/recreation center project has not been approved.
- Redistribution: the existing pool is decommissioned and replaced with smaller wading pool(s), splash pad(s), and/or other water amenities distributed throughout the community
With community feedback, the Relocation and Redistribution options were ruled out. Following the existing pool assessment, two alternative plans were presented to the City Council. The consultants found the bathhouse to be in good condition, with only regular repairs, maintenance, and cosmetic updates required. As the updates to the bathhouse are considered routine maintenance, the updates are not included in the cost estimates below.
- 25-Year Reinvestment Solution: A medium-term solution to upgrade the pool facility
- Early Cost Estimate: at least $1,296,000
- 50-Year Replacement Solution: A long-term solution to replace most of the pool facility.
- Early Cost Estimate: at least $4,047,000
- Given the extensive renovation, the 50-Year Replacement Solution would present the opportunity to reconfigure the pool(s) layout.
Burbach's assessment can be viewed here.
Step 2: Design (we are here)
Following a review of the options, the City Council determined that the 25-Year Reinvestment Solution was the preferred option given financial considerations. City Council asked staff to advance the project to make improvements as soon as possible, acknowledging that a pool renovation requires planning, design, and coordination.
The city retained Amcon Construction to provide construction management and administration services. A design team, led by landscape architecture firm Damon Farber, is leading design.
Following an in-depth assessment, the design team developed two design alternatives.
- Concept A - Base Pool Deck
- Renovation of existing slide, improvements to bathhouse building, pool finishes, surge tank replacement, mechanical system upgrades, pool deck concrete paving, accessibility improvements, barrier and ramp removal and lap swim improvements.
- Modest investment in the pool deck maintains existing infrastructure and minimal amenities
- Modest seating and shade provided
- Concept B - Enhanced Pool Deck
- Renovation of existing slide, improvements to bathhouse building, pool finishes, surge tank replacement, mechanical system upgrades, pool deck concrete paving, accessibility improvements, barrier and ramp removal and lap swim improvements.
- Transitions area of zero-depth entry pool into 'toddler zone' with new play features
- Expanded seating and shade provide a family-friendly environment
- Pool deck expansion provides new amenity opportunities
Upon review, the City Council chose to pursue Concept B - Enhanced Pool Deck. Additional planning and design will occur throughout the spring and summer.
Step 3: Construction
To limit impacts to the summer swim season, construction will occur in two phases.
- Phase One: This initial phase will involve rehabilitating the pool slide along with other minor enhancements, scheduled for late winter and spring of 2026.
- Phase Two: The larger phase will occur after the 2026 pool season and will include replacing the pool vessels, decking, and essential behind-the-scenes equipment. Other upgrades will enhance user experience, offering more seating and shade while giving the area a refreshed, modern appearance.
