Outdoor Pool Near Final Design, $2.1 M Raised
Pierre’s new outdoor public pool design is nearly complete and getting closer to being fully funded.
The project is expected to go to bid in early 2021; by spring, demolition of the current pool in Griffin Park will make way for the City’s new pool. The $12-million facility will include a shallow water pool, a multi-purpose pool that can double as a competition pool, a lazy river, as well as a new bathhouse and snack bar. If fully realized, the new pool will also include a shallow-water play structure, a speed slide, a drop slide, a raft slide, a kiddie slide, a zip line and numerous other water features.
To achieve all of the features identified in the design, by this spring, another $844,000 is needed.
“We’re very humbled by the generosity we have seen from our community,” said Ron Woodburn, Outdoor Pool Capital Campaign Chair. “We raised about $2.1 million during the silent phase of the campaign and will be recognizing those donors at a later date.”
Now the campaign committee is casting a wider net to try and shore up the remaining $844,000 that is needed to fund all the amenities desired by the volunteer citizen committee that put together the original pool design.
“If you haven’t contributed to the pool, it’s easy,” said Woodburn. “Just log on to pierrepool.com for project and donation details.”
The full project cost estimate, including design, financing, construction and other expenses, is $13 million. The City of Pierre has already contributed $10 million to the new pool. The capital campaign committee has been tasked with raising the remainder.
The project has received a significant shot in the arm from outside the community. Disney, in collaboration with National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), provided $40,000 to support this project. This investment supports NRPA and Disney’s combined goal to increase equitable access to play opportunities, including youth sports, and encourage children and families to enjoy their local parks to improve overall health and well-being.
Mindy Cheap, Pierre Recreation Superintendent and grant application writer, says that the City is very fortunate to receive such a grant.
“They only provided twelve of these grants nationwide,” said Cheap. “I think their support of the project validates the importance of having a safe, fun, and usable outdoor public pool.”