Pool house updates to include family changing room

Though Jack Frost is still nipping at noses around Creston, the city is looking forward to warmer months.

A family changing room and first aid area are both expected additions to the pool house at Creston’s McKinley Pool. Construction on the building will begin soon in order to be complete for the summer season.

“On the [left] side, we’ll have a dedicated first aid area: Band-Aids, a small gurney-type deal,” Creston Parks and Recreation Director Rusty Zimmerman said. “And then what is now a concession stand, that will now become halfway a family bathroom. For me, I’m a dad with four little girls, so we have a spot where I don’t feel awkward and they don’t have to feel awkward.”

Additionally, the gates to the entrance and exit of the building will be moved from horizontally sliding doors to vertical roll-up doors.

“It improves efficiency; it’s hard for them to get stuck for the young ones,” Zimmerman said.

The project will be paid for through funds raised by the McKinley Park Aquatic Center Committee. This committee has previously paid for other pool updates, including a climbing wall and a new pool heater.

The project is out for bid following approval by Creston City Council Jan. 20.

In other council news...

After pausing for more applications, the council has approved two appointments to city boards. John Kawa was appointed to the Creston Park and Recreation Board, approved 4-2. Council members Kiki Scarberry and Martin Graham voted against the appointment. John Gravlin was appointed to the Creston Airport Commission, approved unanimously. Kawa’s term will expire Dec. 31, 2029, while Gravlin’s will expire Dec. 31, 2031.

Creston Police Chief Cameron Hale used an appointment with the council to introduce the police officers to the council and to present Officer Cory Dorsey with an Exceptional Duty Medal for work completed on a burglary case over several months.

The Creston Chamber of Commerce is requesting an increase in annual funding from the city. Executive Director Olivia Cheers said the chamber has received $10,000 annually from the city since 2007. Cheers requested that amount be increased to $12,500 as she works to increase advertisement and add new programs. No action was taken.