City Council approves $14M construction for City Park Pool renovations

The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss various updates and projects concerning local parks and recreational facilities. The meeting began with a focus on enhancing accessibility and safety in city parks, particularly at Willow Creek Park. Commission members expressed the need for improved design consistency along the Sigmar Greenway Trail and the busy intersections of Highway 1 and Highway 6, emphasizing the importance of safe crossings for pedestrians and those with mobility challenges.

Following this discussion, the commission moved on to staff reports, which included an update on the City Park Pool project. The bids for the construction came in favorably, allowing the project to proceed with City Construction as the contractor. A pre-construction meeting is scheduled for the following Tuesday to officially kick off the project.

Staff clarified that while there was interest in expanding the project budget, the total costs are expected to align closely with the initial estimate of $18 million, despite bids coming in around $14 million. The commission noted that additional funds may allow for the inclusion of more shade structures, which had been a high priority for community members.

Key features of the pool project include the installation of heaters for all three pools, a UV disinfectant system for enhanced water quality, and the addition of a climbing wall and a third diving board in the diving well area. The project will also involve the removal of the existing restroom in Upper City Park, with costs being lower than anticipated.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the commission's commitment to improving park facilities and ensuring safe access for all community members, with several exciting developments on the horizon for Iowa City's recreational spaces.