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Board requests funding for pool

April 17, 2008|Mike Wynn

The Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation Board is asking the Clark County Fiscal Court to help with funding options for the indoor pool project at College Park Gym.

Chairman Charles Eury and Mayor Ed Burtner made the request Wednesday, asking the fiscal court to help meet the total project cost of $2.9 million. The board has already obtained a $1.4 million state grant to partially fund the project and also plans to approach the Winchester Board of Commissioners tonight about funding options.

With the grant nearing expiration, Burtner said officials have worked closely with state and federal legislators to secure more funding, but additional money is not available at this time. He said having a formal financial plan in place will help officials buy more time on the project.

"It's basically late summer when we have to have something going on," Burtner said.

The presenters did not indicate how funding might be structured. Burtner said officials are exploring options with various swimming programs and organizations across the community, which might bring in additional funds in exchange for use of the pool. Officials also hope to hold fundraisers, he said.

After months of intense discussion, the parks board approved a final design for the indoor pool at its monthly meeting Monday night.

The new design calls for a six-lane pool with wider deck space, an 11-foot deep diving area, permanent steps and removable play features. A warm-water therapy pool will also be located near the main pool for seniors and small children. The design also allows for additional parking.

In addition to construction costs, Eury said the pool will cost about $200,000 each year to operate and will only draw about $140,000 in revenue.

Of the $60,000 shortfall, the parks board plans to pay about $40,000, which will fund utility expenses. Meanwhile, Winchester YMCA is offering to enter into a management agreement with the parks board and will take on the risk of the remaining $20,000 shortfall. The YMCA plans to operate a fitness center adjacent to the pool, where some of the revenue could be recouped.

"You're not going to make money with the pool," Eury said. "Where you pick it up is with the fitness center."

Magistrates did not vote on the matter Wednesday. Officials plan to give a similar presentation to the Winchester Board of Commissioners at 5 p.m. tonight at City Hall.

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