Proposal would rebuild Freeman Park pool building, add lighting and security; city may assume park operations

Staff presented a proposed Freeman Park and Pool project that would address long‑deferred maintenance and expand seasonal use. Parks-design staff said planned work for the pool building includes a new liner, replacement of the air-conditioning unit, a dehumidifier and plumbing repairs for indoor water features; the project also envisions exterior work — a track overlay, security and lighting, a new shaded pavilion, and a perimeter fence — to improve safety and year-round usability.

The presenter said the packet proposes using bond-closeout surpluses and other one-time funds to assemble roughly $1.5 million initially and that, with additional study dollars already in the budget, the total program could reach about $1.8 million. "I don't know if the 1.8 will be enough to cover the entire project," the presenter said, stressing the need for final design work and the possibility of phasing construction.

On operations, staff recommended the city take over park operations while leaving pool operations to PERA (the existing pool operator). Committee members asked whether that transfer would increase recurring general-fund costs. Parks staff said taking park maintenance in-house will require more services but that the city would attempt to cover the net difference from the city's 15% sales-tax set-aside for park services and would try to use existing crews before hiring new staff.

Next steps: staff will complete final designs and return with a phased construction plan and a precise cost estimate before the council considers appropriation and any operations change.