Commission Accepts Pool Proposal
Tonight, the Pierre City Commission heard and accepted five recommendations from the Outdoor Pool Committee. In February 2018, Mayor Harding appointed the Committee to develop a plan to replace Pierre’s nearly century old pool.
The Committee’s recommendations were, to construct an outdoor pool in Griffin Park, approve a bond resolution to pay for the project, establish a capital campaign to fundraise for additional pool features, begin construction in 2021, and allow the Pool Committee to remain active.
Committee Co-Chair Becky Burke said that the Committee held four informational meetings to educate the public about the project.
“Most of the people who attended the sessions were looking for more information,” said Burke. “The vast majority of the comments heard were positive.”
Mayor Harding stated his experience was similar.
“The Committee’s plan has been very well received,” said Harding. “This proposal has been out there for a month, and I am comfortable moving forward with it.”
The full Commission agreed and voted to move forward with the plan, as well as accept a bond resolution to pay for the facility.
“The bond basically acts as a loan for the full potential project cost,” said Twila Hight, City Finance Officer. “We’ll use retired debt service to pay the base project; current revenues will cover the City’s portion.”
Private donations will be needed to cover any additional features the community wants, like a lazy river, water slides, or an extension of the 25-meter multipurpose pool to a 50-meter multipurpose pool.
Harding stated that the project is scalable. The City will pay for the $6.5 million base project, and the additional features will be included as a la carte items based on private financial support. As recommended by the Committee, a capital campaign will be established to secure private donations.