Plymouth Park Board reviews 2 new pool concepts

The Plymouth Park Board has been reviewing the first four conceptual drawings created by the Troyer Group for a new and expanded pool in Centennial Park.  During their meeting on Monday, they reviewed two additional concepts that incorporate recommendations from stakeholders and board members who reviewed the first concepts.

The new designs utilize the existing building but include improvements to bring it up to code and address safety hazards. 

Both plans include a zero-entry pool, a few lanes for lap swimming, a large water slide with a tower, a shallow water playground, and a splash pad area that can remain open without a lifeguard.  Both have a lazy river, dining area, umbrella shade structures, and a tube storage hut. 

Concept one expands to the west using about half of the sand volleyball courts, while concept two expands even further to the west, completely encompassing the area between the current pool area and the Pony League baseball field. 

In concept one, the lazy river is smaller, but it does have a turf area and a shade sail.  In the larger concept, the lazy river is much longer, there is a toddler zone, and there are diving boards incorporated into the lap pool.        

Park Superintendent Mike Hite asked park board members to study the two new concepts and contact him with their likes, dislikes, concerns, and suggested changes. 

Mayor Robert Listenberger attended the park board meeting and said he had a concern with the larger concept because baseballs from the Pony League diamond could become a hazard.  Superintendent Hite said they could put additional fencing up to keep the balls from flying into the pool area. 

The mayor also said he was meeting with financial consultants Baker Tilly to discuss the feasibility of the project. He also noted that a grant application to assist with funding for a new pool is due in August.

City Pool Director and Recreation Director Abby Collins said many community people have talked with her about the possibility, and they are very interested in improving the pool in the park that was constructed in 1967 and 68.