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Parker Parks & Recreation debates pool survey and seeks feasibility steps for Western Park
Summary
Board members debated whether to send a community swimming-pool survey or first secure feasibility answers (costs, location, staffing). Public Works proposed a Western Park feasibility study to create a phased roadmap for future capital projects and grant applications.
Board members and council expressed caution about circulating a general public survey asking whether residents want a pool without first identifying feasible locations, realistic cost estimates and a sustainable maintenance and staffing plan.
Several members said a bare survey risks raising expectations if the town cannot identify funding, site, or operational plans. One council member summarized the concern: "There has to be an understanding that it's feasible for us to build a pool. It's feasible for the town to maintain." (Attribution: Council member.)
Public Works director Steve and other participants recommended a staged approach: first establish feasibility parameters (site fit, estimated construction and maintenance costs, staffing needs), then, if feasibility appears plausible, follow with a community survey and, later, a full feasibility study and grant strategy. Steve noted that prior feasibility work on other parks produced roadmaps used to guide phased implementation and fundraising.
Alternatives and grant strategy: Some speakers urged the board to consider expanding the splash pad or other lower-maintenance options that could attract grants, citing water-conservation grant opportunities and the high cost of pool construction and upkeep. One member cited past feasibility results for a separate park renovation that came back at roughly "20-something million" and warned that multi-year fundraising would be required for similar large projects.
Western Park feasibility: Steve said he will obtain pricing to commission a Western Park feasibility study to define what amenities will fit the site and provide a multi-year roadmap. Board members said that with a feasibility plan they could prioritize projects and pursue grants and fundraising in phases.
The board will not distribute the pool survey broadly until it has clearer feasibility direction from council and staff; members asked staff to return with guidance and more concrete parameters before public outreach moves forward.
