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Anonymous donor to fund Prospect Pool rebuild; council approves engineering design contract
Summary
City staff told council an anonymous donor committed just over $4 million to a full renovation of Prospect Pool. Council approved professional design services and a construction timeline that aims for a 2027 opening; design engineering is expected to go to bid in early 2026.
City Manager Chris told Altoona City Council on Dec. 1 that an anonymous donor has committed to fund the construction of a rebuilt Prospect Pool and that the city has approved engineering and design work to move the project toward bidding.
Chris said the design contract with Aquatic Facility Design (agenda-listed amounts: $298,165 for pool complex design and $115,000 for bathhouse and concessions design) will be used to produce final engineering drawings in January–February and that the city hopes to advertise bids in late February or early March. "There is no tax dollars being spent on this project. This is fully funded by donations," Chris said, explaining the pool construction will be donor-funded. He estimated the pool construction cost at roughly $2,400,000 for the pool and separate bathhouse/concession work and said the donor asked to remain anonymous.
Council members and staff described a community-driven design process: city staff solicited citizen input, evaluated three concept variations, and formed a committee that emphasized swim lanes, a beach-shelf shallow entry, slides and potential heating via passive solar panels. Chris said the committee selected "concept number 2," a full redo of the main pool with a separate splash pad and amenities, and that lifeguard staffing and functionality were important decision factors.
The city expects construction to begin soon after contract award; staff said the project must be ready for opening in 2027 and that the design timeline and vendor assurances keep that target on track. The donor's identity was not disclosed at the council meeting.
What happens next: Staff will complete engineering drawings early in 2026 and prepare the bid package for contractor selection; the council will receive updates on contracting and schedule milestones.
