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The Olympic-size municipal swimming pool that opened at Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista 50 years ago is going to be around for future generations to enjoy.
City Council on Thursday agreed to spend an additional $100,000 on renovations to the pool during the off-season, bringing to $750,000 the amount being earmarked in American Recovery Plan Act funds for the restoration project.
City Manager Jason Tyree said the contractor who was removing the pool’s liner recently uncovered additional damage that is leading to more repairs being needed, if the pool is to be fully restored and open for the 2025 summer season.
City Council this past spring approved spending $650,000 on the pool project. An additional $96,600 would be needed to address the recently uncovered problems as well as pay for a $35,000 new winter cover for the pool. Council member Steve Webb suggested an appropriation of $100,000 so that a shed to store the cover in could be built.
Tyree said having the pool covered during the off-season months would save about $5,000 in annual costs associated with cleaning out the pool each spring. Therefore, the cover would pay for itself in about seven years. It’s anticipated that the cover will last 20 years.
Renovations to the pool are expected to be completed in November. Tyree said the city has about $2 million remaining in ARPA funds that must be allocated by Dec. 31. The city will then have another two years to expend the federal funds.
Moving forward, Council member Todd Jones said staff needs to emphasize the importance of properly maintaining the pool so that it can continue to be used for many years into the future.
A motion by Webb to appropriate the additional $100,000 for the pool project passed by a 5-0 vote.
