Tonight, the Pierre City Commission appointed nine members to the Municipal Outdoor Pool Committee. The volunteer group will work together to develop a conceptual design for a new outdoor pool in Pierre.
Pool Committee members are Becky Burke, Heather DeBoer, Rachel Hartman, Paula Huizenga, Kelsey McQuistion, Mike Mueller, Becky Spoehr, Paula Weeldreyer, and Torrey Zeller. Pierre Mayor Steve Harding said that the City has put together a good combination of community members to guide the process for replacing Pierre’s current outdoor pool.
“We have people with young families, people with experience in pool operations, swimming enthusiasts and critical thinkers,” said Harding. “I’m confident that this group represents a variety of perspectives that are integral to developing the right outdoor pool for Pierre.”
The group will hold its first meeting on Thursday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. They will meet at the YMCA multi-purpose room. The meeting is open to the public. Additionally, as the process moves forward, there will be opportunities specifically designated for public input.
“This first meeting will be a mix of housekeeping and a high-level discussion of wants, needs and expectations,” said Tom Farnsworth, Parks and Recreation Director.
Burbach Aquatics, a pool consulting firm hired by the City, will facilitate the meetings and serve as a technical expert to the group. The goal is for the Pool Committee to deliver a conceptual design and funding plan to the Pierre City Commission by this fall.
Pierre’s current outdoor pool, located in Griffin Park, is more than 90 years old.