St. Marys council hears $10M–$17M options to replace aging community pool

Consultants told the Saint Marys City Council on May 19 that the city’s outdoor pool has exceeded its expected service life and that rebuilding — rather than continued piecemeal repairs — would likely be the most sustainable option.

George Dynas, an aquatic facility consultant working with Councilman Hunsaker, presented three concepts ranging from a smaller replacement with a zero-depth beach entry and play features to a larger two-pool option with a lap pool, slides and a small lazy-river component. "The range was, for project cost, right around $10,000,000 for the first concept to around $17,000,000 for the third concept," Dynas said.

Dynas said the firm surveyed the community and received more than 550 responses; swimming lessons, aquatic fitness and youth swim team programming ranked high. He also described the existing pool’s physical problems — rust and corrosion, separation at deck joints and outdated overflow gutters — and said mechanical systems from the mid-2000s are near the end of their typical 25-year life span.

The consultant estimated annual operating expenses between about $300,000 and $400,000, and projected revenues from admissions, passes, rentals and concessions at roughly $190,000 to $260,000 a year. That would leave an estimated annual subsidy of about $100,000 to $150,000, Dynas said, depending on the final option and fees. He estimated seasonal attendance of about 22,000 to 30,000 over an 80-day season under the new designs.

Council members pressed staff on lifeguard staffing and coverage. "We have 12 right now," Parks and Recreation staff Danielle said when asked how many lifeguards the city currently employs. Danielle said the city previously staffed as many as 18 lifeguards per day during peak periods and that hiring and scheduling drive the ability to extend hours and seasons. Dynas added that zero-depth entries typically use roving lifeguards rather than stationary stands to preserve sight lines around play structures.

Council members asked about capacity and programming. Dynas said one conceptual footprint would serve just under 200 people at once while larger two-pool concepts would increase capacity but would require more lifeguards and additional maintenance. He said adding a splash pad that could remain open longer in the shoulder seasons would offer community access outside the pool’s standard operating window.

Dynas estimated a year for outdoor construction and six to nine months for design, meaning about a two-year process from start of design to completion. He also said the design would include a new support building rather than simply refurbishing the existing 60-year-old structure.

Council members and a public commenter with a disability services organization sought and received confirmation that any rebuilt facility would meet the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements, and the city’s parks staff indicated they would coordinate on accessible features.

The presentation closed without the council taking formal action; councilmembers directed staff to keep the project on the work plan and to return with cost‑and‑funding options and more detailed staffing estimates if the city wishes to pursue design.