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Fayette County opts to pursue AML grant for a splash pad, citing high pool costs
Summary
After hearing estimates that replacing the county pool could cost at least $8 million, commissioners favored a phased approach and approved applying for an Abandoned Mine Lands grant with a $50,000 local match to fund a splash pad as the first phase.
FAYETTE COUNTY — The Fayette County Commission voted to apply for an Abandoned Mine Lands grant to fund a splash pad as a phased approach to replacing an aging pool at Victor Park, after commissioners and staff said a full pool replacement could require multimillion-dollar structural work.
Commission discussion and staff comment outlined barriers to building a new pool: a large void beneath the existing pool likely caused by mine workings, necessary excavation and fill, and the cost of construction and ongoing staffing. One county official estimated a minimum of $8 million would be required to rebuild a pool on the current site because of structural remediation and other work. Commissioners and staff also cited difficulty finding lifeguards in recent seasons and noted the limited seasonal use of a traditional pool.
Several commissioners and the Parks/rec presenter favored a splash pad as a lower-cost, lower-maintenance alternative that could be phased into a future pool, extend the usable season and reduce lifeguarding needs. Commissioners discussed potential match requirements and available county infrastructure funds.
The commission moved to apply for an AML grant with a $50,000 local match and approved the motion by voice vote. The motion included authorization to pursue the grant for features that could later be expanded to a pool in subsequent phases.
Commissioners asked staff to return with details on match funding and any budget adjustments needed before finalizing grants and project design.
