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

Consultant George Dynas told the Saint Marys City Council on May 19 that the city’s outdoor pool has exceeded its expected lifespan and that a feasibility study considered three replacement concepts with capital costs roughly in the $10,000,000–$17,000,000 range.

Dynas, who said he was working with Councilman Hunsaker, described visible structural issues — rust, separation of the pool deck from the pool structure and areas that have bowed — and noted the mechanical systems date from a mid-2000s renovation. He said the study combined a community meeting and a survey (about 550 responses) and found consistent support for amenities such as a 0-depth beach entry, splash pad, water slides and lap lanes.

The study presented three concepts: a smaller, highly functional pool with lap lanes and a beach entry; a single larger body of water with a splash pad and dual water slides; and a two-pool option that included a leisure pool with a small lazy-river component. Dynas said demolition of the existing pool was included in the estimates and that total project costs incorporate design fees, permitting, a 5% escalation allowance and a contingency.

On operations, Dynas estimated annual operating expenses of about $300,000 to $400,000 and projected outdoor aquatics revenue of roughly $190,000 to $260,000, producing an anticipated cost-recovery rate near 60–65 percent. He said the larger option generates more revenue but also requires more lifeguarding and maintenance; he estimated the city’s annual subsidy would likely fall between $100,000 and $150,000 under the modeled assumptions.

Council members and staff focused questions on lifeguard staffing, heating and season length. Staff reported the city currently employs 12 lifeguards and that lifeguards may be as young as 15. Dynas said splash pads typically do not require a stationed lifeguard but recommended roving coverage at some features of a 0-depth entry. He estimated a typical timeline of about one year of construction and six to nine months of design, meaning roughly two years from design start to completion.

Council asked about heating systems and renewable energy. Dynas said most pools still use gas-fired boilers but that electric heating is increasingly common; he also noted that incorporating solar is possible but can add “hundreds of thousands” of dollars depending on system size and contractual approach. On diving and pool depth, Dynas said a pool sized for 1-meter diving would require deeper water (about 12 feet) and therefore higher construction and equipment costs, while pools designed for lap and recreation use could meet swim-team start-depths without supporting high diving.

No formal action was taken; the presentation will inform future design work and budget discussions. Staff and council members indicated follow-up will include reviewing financing options, staffing plans and community preferences before a formal project recommendation or funding request is brought forward.