Perry City hears $3.2 million plan to renovate indoor pool; council approves design contract amendments

Architects from ISG and JEO detailed a broad renovation plan for the McCreary Center pool and spa, describing structural and mechanical problems and a proposed scope to extend the facility’s useful life. Zach Thompson, ISG project manager, said the facility assessment found cracked exterior CMU walls, corroded mechanical supports, dated and damaged tile, and corroded conduits and lighting. JEO’s Andrew Pennekamp described needed pool upgrades including replacing buried filtration with a high-pressure sand filter, updating pumps and piping, replacing gutters and returns, and rebuilding the spa.

The preliminary project budget presented was just under $3.2 million. The design team said schedule targets are 30% documents in August, 60% in October and complete construction documents by year-end, with a planned bidding window and a hoped-for single shutdown during much of 2027. City Administrator Sven Jacob said the entire pool would likely be closed most of 2027 during construction and staff are exploring partnerships with nearby communities for temporary pool access so summer and winter swim teams can continue to operate.

Council approved two professional-services amendments tied to the project: an amendment with JEO for pool filter replacement work not to exceed $135,000 in total and an amendment with ISG (ceiling renovation work) adding $30,400 and bringing that contract to $177,400. Susie, city finance staff, said the larger renovation will require a bond issue and could be funded through a combination of a debt levy replacing existing debt service, local option sales tax, tax-increment financing (TIF) options or fundraising; staff will begin the bond process if council takes formal action to proceed.

The presenters described benefits expected from the mechanical upgrades: moving filtration above ground to simplify servicing, a high-pressure filter to improve water quality, and a dehumidification system expected to improve air quality and spectator comfort. Staff emphasized tradeoffs and contingency planning: temporary partnerships with neighboring indoor pools and the risk that a failing ceiling could force an earlier emergency closure.

Next steps noted by staff were completion of the 30% design package, further cost refinement, formal council action to authorize bonding and returning with a financing plan and construction timeline. The council’s approvals of the two professional-services amendments allow the design work to proceed to the next milestones.