Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mariemont council earmarks planning money as lap pool nears end of life
Summary
Council accepted a Safety Committee report recommending the pool commission study replacement options for the aging racing/lap pool and asked the council to 'consider' (not yet appropriate) $20,000 in 2026 to pay for renderings and permit-ready design work to support fundraising and planning.
The Village of Mariemont’s council on Nov. 10 accepted a Safety Committee recommendation to begin planning for replacement of the municipal racing (lap) pool, which committee members said is roughly 60 years old and showing visible structural deterioration.
Matthew Eyre, who presented the committee report, said the lap pool “is failing and will be due for replacement soon, likely in the next few years,” and recommended the pool commission review regional facilities, compare options and develop order-of-magnitude cost estimates. The committee proposed the council consider appropriating $20,000 in 2026 for renderings, construction drawings and permit-ready specifications to support fundraising and informed decision-making.
Councilors debated whether the council should be recorded as appropriating funds or merely considering the appropriation. Members expressed support for planning while stressing the village’s limited fiscal capacity and the need to prioritize infrastructure projects such as roads and storm sewers. After discussion the report was amended to state the council would “consider the appropriation of $20,000,” clarifying the vote would not commit spending immediately.
Eyre said planning will include consultation with pool experts and outreach to potential donors; the committee noted options ranging from replacing the lap pool on the same footprint to creating a single pool with both lap lanes and family swimming. No specific construction option or cost was adopted; the $20,000 item is intended to fund documents that would make the project fundable by donors or other financing mechanisms.
Councilors repeatedly emphasized community input and prioritization. A councilor asked that the pool commission report back with member and community feedback before the village makes a funding commitment. The council’s action authorizes planning work and reserves the $20,000 item for consideration in the 2026 budget process rather than immediate spending.
Next steps: the pool commission will review regional options, develop preferred alternatives and return to council with detailed recommendations before any appropriation is approved.
