Grants Pass council directs staff to pursue pool stabilization options, funding and community support

City parks staff told the Grants Pass City Council at a workshop that the Caveman Pool requires substantial repairs or replacement, and councilors directed staff to pursue immediate stabilization options and to return with funding scenarios including urban renewal funds, potential private donations and community fundraising.

Josh Hopkins, the city’s park superintendent, presented the pool assessment. Hopkins said the pool vessel dates to the 1950s, is leaking and that mechanical systems — including boiler, heat exchanger, pumps, filtration and sump systems — need significant work. Hopkins provided ballpark figures: an estimated $500,000 to replace or significantly repair mechanical systems (boiler, hot water heater, pumps and piping repairs), a total “package” estimate presented earlier of about $1,100,000 for a range of remodeling options, and higher ranges if the city were to rebuild or add new amenities. Hopkins also said the city’s LB 6393 fund for Caveman Pool had about $58,000 remaining.

Why it matters: The pool is a community recreation asset that serves thousands of visits per year through a partnership with the YMCA. Repair or replacement decisions have…