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 multi‑year budget consequences and affect service for residents and youth programming.

What staff presented

Hopkins said the YMCA reported an uptick in users in recent seasons (staff cited roughly 8,500 users in 2023 and about 9,800 users in 2024). Staff described recurring failures: widespread leaks in a 75‑year‑old concrete vessel, failing valves and corroded plumbing, a leaking heat exchanger and an unreliable sump drain system that lets groundwater intrude.

Staff estimates and options

• Mechanical room overhaul (boiler, pumps, heat exchanger, hot water heater, filtration): ~ $500,000 (industry ballpark).

• Full remodeling packages presented in prior reviews: approximately $1.1 million (estimates varied by option and amenities selected).

• Staff said liners and PVC decking are cost‑effective repairs that would reduce leakage and improve safety; liners typically have a 10–15+ year expected service life before replacement is required.

• The school district (identified in materials as “District 7”) indicated interest in acquiring the property only if the city provided funds to demolish the pool; Hopkins said the district asked for about $275,000 to cover demolition costs if the city gifted the property.

• The city has a partial fund balance in LB 6393 (Restore/Replace Caveman Pool) of about $58,000.

Council discussion and direction

Councilors asked whether the district would operate or replace the pool (Hopkins said the district expressed interest in the property but not in operating or replacing the pool). Councilors discussed options including stabilizing the existing structure with a liner, PVC decking and mechanical repairs; pursuing a larger rebuild; using urban renewal agency (URA) funds; seeking private sponsorships and donations; or placing a bond before voters.

Councilors directed staff to: provide costed stabilization and rebuilding scenarios, explore URA funding options (members referenced prior URA allocations to the project), look into private donations and sponsorship strategies, and produce 3–5 year cost projections and phasing options. Several councilors suggested an immediate focus on stabilizing the vessel and mechanical systems so the pool can operate reliably while the city explores larger funding and design options.

Relevant fiscal context

Hopkins and staff noted that earlier council decisions had reallocated URA and ARPA funding that previously supported a new pool project and that if the council wanted a major replacement it would need a defined funding plan (URA, bond or major private fundraising). Staff said the timing of any work is time‑sensitive because the facility requires ongoing repairs and some mechanical components are at risk of near‑term failure.

Quotes

“I am of the opinion that the city of Grants Pass needs a public swimming pool, so I would put funding towards either preserving this vessel or building a new one,” Councilor Rob said during discussion.

“The liner was one of the most cost‑effective options for repairing a pool’s vessel like this,” Josh Hopkins said, describing repair options and expected liner life.

Ending

Councilors did not vote to demolish, transfer, or replace the pool at the workshop. They asked staff to return with concrete cost estimates for a stabilization option, scenario costs for a full rebuild, an exploration of URA funding, and a plan for pursuing private donations and sponsorships. Staff also will confirm whether demolition costs tied to a transfer to District 7 would be appropriate use of URA funds and will provide updated estimated timelines and budgets.