City approves bonds for new water park; work will begin in fall for 2018 opening
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
The new Burlington Community Pool is coming into fruition, after the Common Council authorized the purchase of two bonds at its Tuesday meeting, where council members learned the city has saved about $300,000.
Courtesy of lower interest rates, instead of $9.88 million combined, Burlington approved both bonds for $9.59 million.
Of the $9.59 million, nearly $8 million is for general obligation purposes, including funding of the Community Pool, which is capped at a cost of $5.4 million.
Aside from the community pool, the rest go towards planned city infrastructure improvements, including the Kendall Street reconstruction project planned for this summer.
City Alderman Bob Grandi praised pool contractor Ayres and Associates for finding ways to reduce future debt obligations.
“This is fantastic news, there is some savings,” Grandi said.
Agreement also OK’d
Meanwhile, the City of Burlington and the Burlington Community Pool Corp. – commonly known as the volunteer Pool Board – entered into agreement for management of the future facility.
As part of the agreement, the City of Burlington assumes responsibility in name, but Pool Corp will manage the facility at no cost to taxpayers.
Initially, the City plans to foot the bill for construction and design of the new pool, but Pool Corp assumes the cost of operation, maintenance, and capital improvement projects in the future.
“I think it’s a win-win for both Pool Corp. and the city,” said City Attorney John Bjelajac. “I am satisfied.”
From April 1 through Sept. 30, the Pool Corp is responsible for basic upkeep, including payment of utilities.
The new facility, featuring a beach-like zero-depth entry, water playground, current channel, multiple slides, separate lap lanes with diving well and expanded deck areas will also include expanded concessions area and a restroom and common area that may be shared for adjacent activities in Devor Park, according to City Administrator Carina Walters.
The current pool at the same site will remain open for the 2017 season. Construction on the new facility will commence in September with a scheduled opening date in June 2018.
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