Outdoor pool closer to reality
IN THE CITY
Our community has gone two summers now without its beloved Outdoor pool. Thanks to the continuing work of many, those days are soon to be behind us.
At the City Council meeting earlier this month, councilors unanimously approved conceptual plans for a new outdoor pool and splash pad. Included in their approval was that the architects from Harriman Associates immediately begin preparation of the bid documents.
The Presque Isle Community Center Building Committee, with direction from architects, has been working diligently at designing this project to fit the community’s needs. The project involves three components; a pool, splash pad and pool house. Here are some of the details of those components:
• Outdoor Pool — With a surface area of about 4,500 square feet, the U-shaped pool will include a zero entry on one end for easy access for all ages with a large shallow section for lessons. The other side of the “U” will include four swim lanes with a depth up to 10 feet (bid will include alternate bid for an additional two lanes). Also included will be a 30-foot tube slide. The pool will be able to support up to 100 swimmers at one time.
• Splash Pad — The splash pad will be approximately 3,000 square feet with 15-20 above-ground spray features. The splash pad will have a wilderness theme with many of the features highlighting animals of our area. The pad can accommodate up to 100 users.
• Pool House — The pool house will serve several purposes. Foremost, it will provide pool users separate male and female changing areas as well as two family changing areas. It will house the staff check-in, mechanical room, and storage. It will also serve the park area with park-side access to restrooms and a small concession area.
Once the bid documents are completed, a request for bids will be made public this fall. Construction for the project will begin as early as Mother Nature will allow in the spring. Unfortunately, due to the estimated construction time necessary for such a project, it is unlikely it will be completed by the time the kids are out of school. However, the hope is to have the new facility completed for everyone to enjoy by mid-summer.
Of course, without public support, neither this project nor the overall Community Center Project would be possible. If you would like to give financial support, please contact myself at 764-0491 or Judy Dionne at City Hall at 760-2785. For more information on the Community Center Project or to donate online, please visit www.picommunitycenter.comand/or check us out on Facebook.
Chris Beaulieu is director of Presque Isle Recreation & Parks. He can be reached at 764-2545 or via email at cbeaulieu@presqueisleme.us.
