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Friends of the Guthrie Pool press for larger replacement; council gives six-month fundraising window
Summary
Friends of the Guthrie Pool told the council they have raised roughly $290,000 and urged a larger replacement than the 1,500-square-foot schematic. The council directed the group to continue fundraising and submit progress updates at least every three months and set a six‑month review; the motion passed unanimously.
Residents and the citizen group Friends of the Guthrie Pool presented fundraising progress and design concerns to the Guthrie City Council during public comment on Aug. 5, urging the city to hold out for a larger pool rather than proceed immediately with the smallest schematic.
Joseph (Joe) Chapel, identifying himself as a member of Friends of the Guthrie Pool, said the group had raised approximately $290,000 from 26 donors so far and described corporate and community outreach: “We have 290,000 in funds raised so far. These funds came from 26 donors,” Chapel said. Chapel and other speakers pressed the council to pursue a design that includes a deep end and a larger swimming area so the facility can support swim lessons, lap swimming and adult programs.
Council discussion and staff remarks identified three schematic options previously developed by architects: an existing-pool footprint replacement (estimated direct costs and total package near $1.7 million direct, $2.1 million total), a roughly 2,300-square-foot option (direct approx. $2.3 million, total ~$2.8 million), and a roughly 3,000-square-foot option (direct approx. $2.9 million, total ~$3.5 million). Faulkner and consultants noted additional costs tied to State Department of Health code updates and that the bathhouse, chemical house and other supporting systems are significant drivers of total project cost. The consulting report (Carruthers) previously estimated a repair option to extend life 5–8 years at $1.8–$2.4 million.
After extended public discussion, Councilmember Brian moved and Councilmember Jeff seconded a motion to give Friends of the Guthrie Pool six months to continue fundraising with interim reports at least every three months; the motion passed unanimously. Council and staff also discussed a phased approach, including exploring whether the existing pool basin could be reconstructed on the current footprint and the feasibility of completing bathhouse or equipment-room work in phases.
Ending: Council did not commit CIP funds beyond existing allocations at the meeting. The council’s action is procedural: it grants the pool group six months to fundraise and requires periodic updates so the council can revisit design and procurement decisions at future meetings.
