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Grants Pass council weighs pool repairs, school district demolition request and funding options
Summary
Parks staff told the council the Caveman Pool needs major repairs or replacement; estimates discussed ranged from a modest stabilization package (~$1.1M) to broader rebuilds ($1.5M–$2.5M), and School District 7 asked for roughly $275,000 to demolish the pool if it takes the property. Council asked staff to scope stabilization work and funding options.
Parks Superintendent Josh Hopkins told the Grants Pass City Council that the Caveman Pool is leaking, mechanically deteriorated and requires either substantial repairs or replacement, and councilors discussed funding options including URA funds, private donations, a potential bond and a request from School District 7 for demolition assistance.
Hopkins said the pool’s concrete basin is about 75 years old and is seeping water; valves, piping and the mechanical room have also failed in places. Staff offered ballpark figures: a "bare minimum" repair package (liner, decking, and some mechanical work) was presented at about $1.1 million; a full mechanical room replacement and systems work was estimated near $500,000; and other discussion by councilors and staff referenced stabilization figures in the $1.5M–$2.5M range depending on scope and inflation. Hopkins also reported the YMCA’s usage data to show rising attendance and programmatic activity: 2023 reported about 8,500 users and 2024 about 9,800 users, which staff said reflected program growth.
Hopkins told council that School District 7 had indicated it would be willing to take the property if the city provided funds for demolition; district correspondence was summarized by staff as requesting roughly $275,000 to cover demolition costs. Councilors asked whether Urban Renewal Agency (URA) dollars or other funds could be used; staff said URA eligibility depends on URA rules and that the city could consider applying URA funds to a remediation or preparation cost if consistent with URA objectives.
Councilors debated funding approaches: creating a repair/replace reserve from pool proceeds, pursuing private sponsorships or fundraising, pursuing a voter‑approved bond for a new facility, or committing URA seed funds (figures discussed in workshop ranged from about $1.0M to $1.5M for stabilization). Several councilors supported pursuing a stabilization package to extend useful life (staff estimated 10–15 years for a liner) while seeking sponsorships or community fundraising for amenity upgrades. Staff said they will scope stabilization work, prepare costs and RFPs, and return with a specific funding recommendation.
No final funding decision was made; council’s direction was to begin work on a stabilization plan, explore URA or other funding in the roughly $1M–$1.5M range for core repairs, and pursue community sponsorships for additional amenities.
