Parks commission recommends against reopening county pool for 2026, authorizes grant application

The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended to the full county commission that the county not reopen the county pool for the 2026 season and authorized staff to apply for a local LPRF grant when the program opens in January.

Commission members made the recommendation after reviewing final operating figures attached to the meeting agenda and a multi‑part discussion of operating losses, site condition and capital cost estimates. Commission members said payroll (including certification bonuses), utility bills and water replacement were the primary drivers of higher operating costs for the most recent season.

Commission members said the season summary showed the pool operated about 75 days with 2,147 admissions recorded. Commissioners and staff calculated an operating cost of roughly $15.46 per person per day when parties and other pool revenues are included; admission prices were reported at $5–$6. The commission noted those per‑person operating costs exceed typical admission revenue and that attendance was concentrated across the open days.

Commissioners also discussed the site’s condition and the capital cost of rebuilding or relocating the pool. A participant who said they had reviewed aerial imagery and who identified experience in pool construction told the commission the pool appears to have been built on backfill rather than undisturbed earth, which raises the likelihood of structural failure and higher rebuild costs. That speaker and others said reuse of existing plumbing and pool infrastructure was unlikely because settling and leaks are probable. The meeting record includes a previously obtained cost indication in the mid‑six figures for a replacement pool; one participant described an estimate in the neighborhood of $450,000 for a redesigned pool, noting the figure did not include some ancillary pieces such as a separate kiddie pool plumbing rebuild.

Several commissioners emphasized the limited seasonal use of a rebuilt pool — roughly two to three months of heavy use — and contrasted that with other items in the park master plan that would provide year‑round benefit. Commissioners also raised safety concerns tied to leaving an unfinished hole in the ground and the need to make a prompt decision to avoid a safety hazard.

After discussion, a commission member moved that the committee recommend to the county commission that the pool not be reopened in 2026; the motion was seconded and passed 6–2. Separately, the commission voted to authorize staff to apply for the local LPRF grant when it opens in January; the commission recorded that the grant typically requires a local match but that match ratios vary year to year. Commissioners noted that additional grant funding (and a later updated master plan) could allow the project to be reconsidered in the future.

The commission also discussed operational options that might reduce losses, including redesigning the pool layout to create a separate patio and seating area to improve party revenue, and cautioned that hurried action would be required to complete a rebuild in time for a future season. Members agreed the committee should send either a favorable or unfavorable recommendation to the full county commission rather than make the final decision themselves.

Votes at a glance - Approval of minutes from the Sept. 18 meeting: motion by Ms. Olbermann, second Mr. Gulley; carried (recorded by voice; tally not specified in transcript). - Committee recommendation not to reopen the pool for 2026: motion moved by a commission member (name not specified in the transcript), seconded by Mr. Carmen; outcome: passed, 6–2. - Authorization to apply for the local LPRF grant when it opens in January: motion moved (mover not specified), seconded by Mr. Presley; outcome: passed (tally not specified).

What happens next The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the full county commission for a final decision. Commission members and staff said external funding (grant awards, ARPA or capital projects funds) could change the recommendation if sufficient capital dollars are available; however, members cautioned that even with grant support a rebuild would require a substantial local match and lead time.

Speakers listed in the meeting record included commission members who participated in the votes and discussion, park operations staff and county staff who provided financial context. The committee also recorded input from a community member with pool construction experience who reviewed the site’s condition and likely capital implications.

Additional materials attached to the agenda (final figures, attendance totals and the pool operating summary) were noted by the commission as the basis for the discussion.