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Burlington staff outline $6.7 million Dankworth Park pool plan, say referendum would be Nov. 3
Summary
Parks staff presented a concept for a new Dankworth Park pool, estimated at a conservative $6.7 million, based on community feedback and a feasibility study; council was told a referendum would be required (60% approval) and the earliest possible opening is summer 2028 if bonds and construction proceed on schedule.
Parks staff presented a concept design and financial outline for replacing the aging Dankworth Park pool, estimating construction at about $6,700,000 and saying the project would need voter approval to proceed.
Eric Tizlon, speaking for parks staff, described a roughly 10,100‑square‑foot main pool concept (compared with the existing facility at about 10,029 square feet) with a 0‑entry shallow play area on the west side, lap lanes on the east side and expanded deck and 6,000 square feet of grass seating. ‘‘Pools are very expensive,’’ Tizlon said, giving the $6.7 million figure as a conservative construction opinion from JEO.
Tizlon said the parks department has completed a public feasibility study and outreach: an open house that drew about 75 attendees and an online concept survey that received more than 1,200 responses. Staff said the most popular features in the survey were increased shade, lounging areas and a six‑lane, 25‑meter pool; higher‑cost attractions such as water slides or a lazy river were generally not favored because of the extra upfront cost and long‑term staffing/maintenance burdens.
On financing, staff outlined a bond approach like the prior fire station ballot and said a referendum for the project could be placed on the Nov. 3 election if the council directs staff to proceed. Tizlon gave an example tax impact: if the full bond amount were funded through the levy as presented, a home valued at $100,000 would see an estimated increase of about $2.15 per month (about $25 per year); staff emphasized these are preliminary figures and would change with grant proceeds, actual bond sizing and updated valuations.
Staff will pursue grants and private donations; Tizlon said the department would target grant funding (he mentioned an estimated $500,000 CAT grant target as an example) but cautioned there is no guarantee of success. If the referendum passes and project scheduling proceeds without major delays, staff said the earliest possible reopening of a new pool would be the summer of 2028.
Next steps: bond counsel is preparing ballot language and resolutions for the July 31 work session and the Aug. 3 regular meeting so the council can consider calling an election if it wishes to put the measure before voters.
