Troyer Group presents concepts for new pool in Centennial Park

Three concept plans for a new pool and water park were presented at Monday’s Plymouth Park Board meeting. 

Mike Reese from Troyer Group informed board members that 311 responses were received during the open survey, with 223 city residents participating and 88 non-residents sharing their thoughts and opinions.

Reese said all three concepts include a significant upgrade to the current building, estimated to cost $500,000. ADA compliance would be addressed, including the number of restrooms and building code requirements. 

Based on the surveys and discussions with the city administration, the Troyer Group presented three concepts that incorporate the desires of survey participants and address some concerns expressed in the survey.

Concept # 1 incorporates a splash pad area, umbrella shade structures, a zero-depth entry pool, a larger waterside with a tower structure to store tubes, a lazy river, and a picnic area. Reese explained that this concept has a seasonal sliding gate that could allow access to the building and splash pad area so that it could be open earlier in the spring and later into the fall. It would also offer evening hours because a lifeguard isn’t required.

The estimated cost for concept #1 was $6.5 to $7.5 million.   

Concept # 2 integrates a few lanes for a lap pool with a deep end for diving boards.  There is a water obstacle course, a shallow water toddler area, and some shallow water loungers.  The splash pad area can be gated off for additional use before and after the pool opens and closes.  They incorporated a turf area where visitors could lie out a towel to get some sun, and there is a shaded picnic area.  The estimated cost for concept # 2 was $6 to $7 million. 

Reese said that with the first two concepts, the footprint of the pool and deck area would expand about 15 feet to the north and west, taking some space from the sand volleyball area. 

Concept #3 expands the footprint of the existing pool and deck area by utilizing the entire volleyball area. This plan includes a lazy river and a lap pool equipped with diving boards. The splash pad area comprises a large slide and a tower for tube storage. Additionally, there is a toddler play area, a zero-depth entry pool, a shallow water playground, a removable obstacle course, shaded areas, and a pool dining area.  Reese said this concept could be done in phases if financing is an issue.

The estimated cost for concept #3 was $8.5 to $9.5 million. Reese said cost estimates include design, engineering, and construction.

The packet included three case studies of current operational facilities. The Troyer Group plans to engage operators to identify their likes and dislikes regarding their facilities. They will also receive information on operational costs and maintenance.     

Mike Reese mentioned that the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has a grant opportunity available later this summer for which the city could apply. It offers $1 million in funding for this type of project. If the city were successful, Reese said the process for that grant, which flows through the feds, would take a couple of years.

The current pool is 55 years old and can accommodate 450 individuals. The three new concepts would be similar in size or larger.    

Mayor Robert Listenberger said they will narrow down the concepts to 1 or 2 and then look at the amenities voted on in the survey to help determine what pool users want and what the city can afford. 

There were some concerns about the lazy river, with children walking in it instead of riding on tubes. Maintenance of the tubes would be another issue. 

Abby Collins, Pool Director, said concept 1 would be challenging to maintain swimming lessons as they do now.  She also loved having the splash pad that could be accessed early and later in the season. 

Park Board member Josh Troyer stated that a new outdoor pool in the park should duplicate the services already offered. If individuals want to swim laps, they can use the indoor pool at the Bardwell Aquatic Center. 

The timeline for a new pool project depends on funding. Mayor Listenberger stated that the council needs to identify where the funding will come from. It was noted that at least one summer there would be no pool available due to construction.