Community Swimming Pool Project Seeking Public Feedback
September 30th, 2013 – The New Rockford Pool Committee has completed the research phase of the Community Swimming Pool Project and is seeking public feedback on a design and funding proposal for a new outdoor swimming pool. The Pool Committee, made up of parents, City Commissioners, Park Board members, and business and organizational leaders, will hold three public meetings to present the pool recommendation, answer questions, and collect input from the community on October 15, 18 and 23. “After a great deal of work and research, the Pool Committee is eager to hear public feedback,” says Judy Allmaras, New Rockford Park Board president.
Sarah Smith Warren, Executive Director of the New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation and co-chair of the Pool Committee, says that, “The New Rockford community has guided this project. The Pool Committee’s first priority was to meet the needs and wants of the community. Survey results, meetings, and student input led our process to find the best solution for the community as a whole and the people it serves.”
The research has indicated that an overwhelming majority of those surveyed are in favor of building a new swimming pool, with a focus on accessibility for all community members. Further research was based on these community directives, which led to the creation of several options for pool designs. These designs were then vetted for feasibility, both for construction and funding.
The Pool Committee recently presented an update and recommendation to the city council. The recommendation includes the construction of a new swimming pool and bathhouse, all compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), creating a facility that is accessible to everyone. The pool design includes a waterslide, diving board, and a kiddie splash park with a “zero-entry” slope for accessibility.
Mayor Jim Belquist says the City Commission is pleased with the Pool Committee’s progress. "Recently the City Commission heard the pool recommendation presentation and, by roll call vote, unanimously approved the project. I am anxious to share the plan with the citizens of New Rockford. The Pool Committee worked hard researching all the options and, with a great deal of citizen input, has arrived at an excellent solution. We are greatly appreciative of the Park Board, the New Rockford Area Betterment staff and other committee members for their diligent work. Each member spent many hours of their personal time to arrive at this recommendation."
The three public meetings will cover identical subject matter, and will be held at three different times and locations to allow for the greatest possible level of public interaction. The meetings will be:
- Tuesday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Golf Course
- Friday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m. at the Latte Lobby
- Wednesday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Eagles Club
Attendance at the meetings is free and open to all, with refreshments served. Anyone with an interest in the project, questions, or input is encouraged to attend any one of the three meetings.
The current New Rockford swimming pool was built in 1978, through funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and public funding. Recent years have shown the effects of wear and age on the pool, with leaks causing a major loss of water and leaving the baby pool unusable. The Pool Committee was formed in October 2012 to research options to address these issues.