McKinley pool project future uncertain

Creston Parks and Recreation Board member John Kawa encouraged the MPAC board Tuesday to determine the future of the proposed plans for remodeling the swimming pool.

With a variety of public funding, grants and private donations, the intent was to spend about $1.4 million on the first phase of upgrading the pool. But bids for the work received late last month were at $1.9 million. The parks and rec board will not accept the bid.

Jeremy Rounds was representing McKinley Park Aquatic Center board.

“It’s way too high. We are looking at options to fix the problem,’ he said. “It’s easy to reject a bid. We are looking at our alternatives to try and make this project happen.”

Rounds suggested phasing in the amenities that were considered the first phase of the work.

“This already is a phase of a larger project. That is not what we have told the donors,” he said. “Then we are going to have to cut back some. We are trying to prevent that.”

Rounds said one option is to prioritize the amenities; specifically the zero-depth entry or the splash pad. Rounds said MPAC member Sam Baird said the splash pad will probably have more support from the public. MPAC will also want the heating system.

“The splash pad will probably accommodate a greater percentage of the population,” said parks board member Gary Borcherding.

Rounds said discussions with Baird were about the feasibility of the initial project.

“We put out all this money for engineering and the project just dies. We have to give all the money back. Will there be enough money to pay that engineering,” Rounds said about Baird’s analysis.

Rounds is hopeful some grant organizations and donors will not be immediately requesting their funds to be returned.

“We will just lick our wounds and go on and let this sit for a few years,” Rounds said about one idea.

Rounds did not know expiration dates for any of the grants. He said all grant organizations will be informed of the project status. He expects to ask for extensions on some grants. Rounds said the original plan was to have the work done in May 2023. He considered rescheduling the work until spring 2024.

“Right now we are trying to keep our costs limited so we are not asking for money for engineering fees for any more than we have to but yet try to explore different options to keep this project alive,” he said.

Rounds expect to either have the project rebid or the project “does not happen.”

“If you come back in a few years, it’s done.” parks and recreation board member John Kawa said. “You throw this project down for three years, it’s done. That’s my opinion.”

In other park construction news, Rounds said the goal is to open the dog park at McKinley Park in April.

In other park and rec news...

The board’s annual comedy night will be Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Eagles Club. The event, including dinner, starts at 5 p.m. Tickets will be available by the individual or by the table.