Carbondale seeks county contribution to new aquatic center; commissioners weigh parks-fee tradeoffs

Representatives from the Town of Carbondale presented a capital campaign update on June 10 and asked Pitkin County commissioners to consider a contribution toward a new Carbondale Aquatic Center.

Town Manager Lauren Gister and Parks & Recreation Director Eric Brenlinger described the project as a fully electric, three‑pool facility that includes a six‑lane lap pool (with diving), a zero‑depth recreation pool with splash features, and a hot tub/therapy pool. The design features rooftop solar and a bifacial PV shade trellis and is intended to operate mostly in summer months with extended hours for lap and therapy uses. The town emphasized the project’s equity and safety goals — teaching swimming skills in a river‑rich mountain environment — and said the facility will be municipally run with subsidized programming.

Gister said Carbondale voters previously approved a bond; increased costs since the 2020 feasibility study and updated construction estimates pushed the total project price higher. The town has raised roughly $1.11 million to date against a voluntary fundraising goal of $2.5 million and has about $1.6 million in reserve funds earmarked. The remaining funding gap at the time of the presentation was $820,440. Carbondale staff said they had applied for grants (including a federal mineral-leasing grant and a public‑building electrification grant) and planned additional grant applications.

Commissioners discussed whether park‑dedication fees from Pitkin County might be an appropriate source. Staff warned the parks‑dedication funds are already committed to several other projects and that using a large portion for the Carbondale request could reduce the county’s ability to support other local parks needs. Commissioners suggested the town continue grant-seeking and county staff welcomed further information; some commissioners said they could support a six‑figure contribution if Garfield County and other partners contribute as well. No formal appropriation was made at the work session; staff said the county’s parks‑dedication and Healthy Rivers funding timelines will permit additional discussion before any final action.

Carbondale officials said the town aims to complete fundraising in coming months and open the facility within the multi‑year construction schedule.