Will welcome community organizations, individuals to take lead in fundraising
The Jefferson parks and recreation commission (also referred to as the “board”) met Monday, Sept. 19. Ken Hagen from OPN Architects and George Deines from Counsilman-Hunsaker addressed the board remotely and presented their findings from the public survey done earlier this year about interest in an indoor pool, as well as three indoor pool options. They also covered the estimated costs of building each pool design and the yearly cost to maintain each pool option. A similar presentation was given at a public meeting on July 21, 2022.
The three options provided include a 2,163 square-foot pool with four 25-yard laps lanes and an open program area for swim lessons and water fitness, with total project costs estimated at $4.2 million and annual operating costs estimated at $294,714; a 3,757 square-foot pool with four 25-yard lap lanes, a recreation area, an open program area, a 205 square-foot spa and a 600 square-foot spray pad with total project costs estimated at $8 million and annual operating costs estimated at $379.171; and a 2,442 square-foot program/children’s pool along with a 3,435 square-foot, six lane lap pool, with total project costs estimated at $9.4 million and operating costs estimated at $479,138.
After much discussion among board members, they decided there was enough information presented from OPN Architects and Counsilman-Hunsaker at this time to allow members of the public to take the lead on this project. The board members felt their role was not to actively lead the project but to support the project if there is sufficient interest from the public to raise further funds for the project.
The original funding from the Autenreith donation of approximately $800,000 for the Greene County Community Center will be held for a period of time to allow the development of a fund-raising organization to acquire additional funding.
Conversely, if the community support for the indoor pool does not materialize, the board will entertain other ideas for the use of the Autenreith donation to improve the community services of the Greene County Community Center
Board members look forward to hearing from and working with individuals and organizations interested in building an indoor pool. Any correspondence concerning the indoor pool can be sent to director@gcccjefferson.com to be passed on to board members.
