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Marion gives timeline update on Aquatic Center planning; analysis, private interest and site redesign to continue
Summary
Staff outlined a three-track Aquatic Center effort: a five-year assessment of the existing Willowood pool to evaluate life-extension options, private-sector conversations about alternative regional sites, and conceptual redesigns and phased plans for the existing facility; staff will return March and May with updates and May 19 is targeted for concepts.
City staff provided an update on the Aquatic Center project at the Feb. 17 work session, describing a three-track approach to determine short- and long-term options for public aquatic facilities.
Track 1 is a five-year assessment of the existing Willowood pool to identify major maintenance needs and to clarify options for extending the facility’s life. Track 2 continues private-sector outreach; staff said private developers and operators typically favor sites close to highways and hotels and indicated limited appetite for a large regional facility near Marion at this time. Track 3 examines redesigning the existing pool area to create a more affordable, phased aquatic facility — combining pools or reducing scale to save cost while preserving community services such as lessons and lap swimming.
Staff noted state regulatory changes can affect renovation choices and that some infrastructure components are not visible until demolition or deeper assessment. A conceptual update and options are expected back to council May 19, and staff will reconvene the steering committee in the interim. Staff said a private-sector interest could proceed in parallel with a neighborhood-scaled public solution.
Council members asked clarifying questions about amenity levels (slides, event-scale features) and the distinction between maintenance and rebuild scenarios; staff clarified that a five-year maintenance plan would keep the existing pool operational while a rebuild entails demolition and construction of a new aquatic facility on the site.
