Constructed in 1959, the Elgin Swimming Pool has been a place where generations have gathered to exercise, play or just to relax in its heated waters.
On Thursday night, members of the pool committee along with Mayor Mike Schmitt and the Elgin City Council heard how the pool could be renovated in the coming years.
David Burbach of Burbach Aquatics based out of Wisconsin, spoke for more than an hour on the findings of a pool study conducted after the pool was closed for the season.
Described as “Step One”, Burbach focused his remarks on the technical evaluation, taking steps to inventory the existing condition of the pool and its buildings. He then made recommendations for improvements deemed necessary to restore the pool to good repair while at the same time meeting all code requirements set forth by the Nebraska Department of Public Health and the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Burbach described the pool, having completed its 54th year of service, as currently being in “fair to good condition.” He pointed out that the structure is in good condition with the exception being the upper portion of the wall. He recommended that the upper portion could be removed and a new concrete deck be installed above the wall and utilize a gutter or skimmer system to maintain the necessary water level.
Currently, Burbach said, estimates are that the pool is losing as much as 1,000 gallons a day during the summer season.
As for the bathhouse, Burbach noted several cracks in the wall, but deemed it to be in “fair” condition. Noting how it does not meet code, his suggestion was to construct a 1,5000 square foot bathhouse.
One suggestion made by both Schmitt and the Council would be to utilize local labor to construct the bath house, as a means to lower the cost.
Burbach then shared some numbers. He estimated the cost to renovate the existing pool would be more than $1.3 million. To replace the current pool with a new pool, Burbach said the cost would be just under $2.2 million. There are a number of financial options which the City could pursue which would lessen the final cost to taxpayers. Among them would be capital campaigns, grants fundraising and the issuing of bonds.
For the complete story, see the print edition of The Elgin Review
