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Volunteers push to raise $2M as city, staff discuss options for Highland Park pool rebuild
Summary
Volunteers and city staff told the Parks board the Highland Park pool needs replacement; consultants estimated $6–7 million for a full replacement while staff outlined a possible $4–5 million option. The city has roughly $2.5 million on hand, community fundraisers report about a quarter of a $2M target raised, and staff said geotechnical testing was completed.
Volunteers, city staff and board members discussed the Highland Park pool's condition and next steps to replace or significantly renovate the facility.
Consultant findings presented to the board recommended an 8,000‑square‑foot pool suited to the city’s growth. The consultant produced a budgetary number of roughly $6–7 million for a full replacement; staff indicated a possible $4–5 million design with modifications. Board members and volunteers said about $2.5 million is currently available from the city, and staff mentioned a potential $500,000 discretionary allocation, which would bring total local funds to as much as $3 million.
Volunteer committee members said they aim to raise $2 million for the project and reported they are about a quarter of the way to that goal. One volunteer, reading a prepared statement, described the pool as a public‑health and safety priority and cited YMCA statistics and historical attendance to underline demand for swimming lessons and summer programs. The volunteer asked whether the city could partner with the committee on grant applications and fundraising outreach.
Staff confirmed geotechnical boreholes and subsurface testing were completed to inform design. Staff said they saw no immediate geotechnical red flags in quick remarks during the meeting but said they would check the formal report for detail. City staff and the board recommended continuing fundraising, exploring naming rights and corporate sponsorship opportunities (staff suggested contacting the economic development and tourism directors), and revisiting the project at a future meeting when fundraising and engineering details are clearer.
The board did not adopt a final plan or vote on funding at this meeting; staff asked volunteers to return with a progress update at the board's February review.
