Will Hillsboro rock the vote with new pool?
Staff writer
It's time for Hillsboro to make its big decision about a new swimming pool, and before you go to the polls on April 5, you should have all the facts.
— Why does Hillsboro need a new pool?
According to Mayor Delores Dalke, this summer will be the last year for the old swimming pool. The pool was built in 1955 and has outlived its 50-year life expectancy.
Over the years the high water table at the pool site has exerted pressure on the pool floor causing cracking.
The city has been keeping water in the pool over the winter trying to avoid further cracking.
City administrator Steve Garrett says he's not sure how much longer the pool floor will last.
Besides the floor, the underwater lighting system has been disconnected and the vacuum system doesn't work correctly.
— Can't the old pool be repaired?
The cost of repairing the pool makes it unfeasible, and if any refurbishing is done, the pool would need to be made accessible for the disabled.
In the summer of 2004 the Americans with Disabilities Act finalized its guidelines for recreational facilities, including swimming pools, wading pools, and spas. The ADA guidelines require that all new construction and renovated facilities be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
This means not only a zero-depth entry, but also accessibility in the dressing and locker rooms as well.
A zero-depth entry is a walk-in swimming pool. The pool starts at ground level and gradually slopes to deeper water.
Several years ago a bid for renovations to the bath house alone was in excess of $250,000.
"It doesn't make any sense to do those kinds of things," said Dalke.
— If the old pool goes, does Hillsboro need a pool at all?
General consensus among Hillsboro residents is that yes, Hillsboro needs a pool. They just aren't sure if this is the pool that they need and if they want to pay for it.
The city sees the pool as an investment in Hillsboro. Deciding to do without a pool is the sign of a dying community, according to Dalke.
— What will it take to build the pool?
The city is proposing a 1/2 cent sales tax increase be implemented to pay for the $2.5 million building of the new family aquatic center.
This would raise the local tax rate from 6.8 percent to 7.3 percent and generate revenue to pay off the 20-year bonds the city would use to build the pool.
According to Dalke, increases in inflation over the years could allow for the pool to be paid off sooner.
— Where would the new pool be built?
If Hillsboro votes to build the new pool, it will be built on D Street west of the sports complex entrance.
The city looked into putting the pool east of Alco, according to Garrett, but "it didn't fit with the land usage."
The site on D Street had several pluses according to Garrett. The city already owned the land, it was the right size, and it is close to the sports complex and other park.
The land is also accessible to existing utilities. That will save the city the cost of putting in new utilities.
— What amenities will the new pool have?
The new pool will not only have the zero-depth entry, allowing for older and younger swimmers to all be in the same pool, but also will have interactive water toys and floor geysers. There will be six regulation length swimming lanes and a large water slide with its own designated splash-down area, and two diving boards.
The pool will be heated, allowing for more days of comfortable use, and better lighted allowing for longer days.
Around the pool there will be a shelter for parties, lots of deck area with shade, and a larger, more full-service, food court.
— Why does the pool need to be so big?
According to city councilman, Len Coryea, the pool will need the swimming lanes to allow Hillsboro to continue to have a swim team, the zero-depth entry is required by the ADA, and the amenities will hopefully keep people from going out of town to swim.
"You can't add these things to the pool later," said Coryea.
Dalke says that the increased size means more possibilities.
"I think the neat thing about it is that we would be able to do more kinds of adult swimming things," said Dalke.
— How will we handle the extra expense?
The extra amenities for the pool, plus increases in personnel, and utilities will increase expenses, but city officials hope to keep admission reasonable and not drain more subsidy than the existing pool does.
"We haven't worked out a price schedule yet," said Dalke, "but it will be in line with other area pools."
The hope is that increased concession sales along with more time spent at the pool and rentals for parties will generate increased funds.
— When would the pool be built?
According to Dalke, if the people of Hillsboro vote to implement the 1/2 cent sales tax increase, the city would have a bid by this fall, and plan to open the pool next spring.
That would mean no missed pool season.
— What does it all mean?
Does Hillsboro need a new pool? Does Hillsboro need a pool at all? Residents may go to the polls Tuesday and let the city know how they feel about the issues.
Don't forget to vote.
