Crawford leaders weigh $650,000 repair estimate versus new-build options for community pool

Crawford officials and residents on Sept. 11 reviewed an aquatics engineer—s estimate that repairs to the town—s aging swimming pool could total about $650,000, and discussed whether to pursue repairs or plan for a new pool funded by grants and community fundraising.

Dan Brien, the meeting presenter, summarized the JEO cost breakdown included in a pamphlet: stainless-steel gutter replacement about $150,000; piping to gutter $25,000; concrete flat work replacement $50,000; replacement filter, pump and new piping $175,000; granular replacement $10,000; and a contingency line to account for concealed conditions, yielding an estimated total repair cost of $650,000 after engineering and potential code compliance expenses were added.

The engineer—s imaging identified voids under the pool—s concrete flat work and two larger voids on the south side near the pump station, Brien said. He added that excavating to expose piping would be necessary to confirm exact connections to the gutter return system and that parts of the vessel wall would need to be exposed and refastened to reinstall the gutter.

Scott DeBock, Park Board president, said the vessel held water after a spring repaint but the leak became apparent only when the pump system was engaged and water discharged through the gutter return; earlier core drilling by DeBock and Council Member Christopher Dean had not found serious voids. "When the pumps were turned on, that was when those involved knew that there was a serious leak," DeBock said.

Council members noted that the filtration and pump systems would likely need replacement to ensure another two decades of service and that ADA and code compliance could alter project scope. Brien presented cost examples from similar communities showing new-build pools ranging roughly from $2.7 million to $5 million; those examples typically included ADA walk-in access and had been funded largely through fundraising and grant packages.

Council President April Grant urged residents to form a 5- to 6-person committee including Park Board representation and a council member to pursue grant opportunities and fundraising, citing examples from nearby towns that successfully solicited donations from alumni rosters. Brent Gebbie volunteered to serve on the committee and said he had spoken with a contact, Buffy Hourt-Allred, about pursuing funding and ADA project grants. Moni Hourt reported that in informal outreach she conducted "98%" of the students she asked raised their hands in support, and that most of about 42 downtown residents she spoke with favored saving the pool.

Mayor Shane Norman told attendees the city would avoid finger-pointing and focus on moving forward as the community considers both repair and replacement pathways. Council members noted that, following advice from the city—s CPA, certain funds in the proposed FY2024-25 budget were placed in contingency to allow flexibility for town needs; the exact contingency amount was not specified at the meeting.

The council set formation of the pool committee for the next council meeting and opened a sign-up for interested residents. Brent Gebbie made a motion to adjourn at the end of the town hall; Christopher Dean seconded. The motion carried with four ayes (Gebbie, Dean, Storbeck, Grant) and no nays. The meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.