Why do we need a new pool?

• The original pool was built in 1973 with a 20 year life expectancy

• For many years, infants/toddlers have had very limited, if any swimming options

• We need to continually improve upon the amenities our town offers, looking towards the future

Is our pool really that bad?Current shower rooms have been “bandaged” several times with layers of paint and coverings to hide the flaws

Cracks, No Accessibility, Worn Out!

Run Down, Outdated, Old!

What we have now vs. what we could have…..

It’s Not Just a Pool…..

• This center will also encompass a community room available year round

• The room will double as a weather shelter for the residents of the housing complex located next to the pool

• New park restrooms for the existing park and future campground

The building itself…..

What will the new pool be like?

• Zero depth entry for the little ones that will house geysers, a kiddie slide, tippy buckets and a parent bench underneath a 20’ umbrella

• Plenty of room for water walking, lap swimming and depths of 4’ to 12’

• For the older kids, a large slide, 3 diving boards (all different heights) plus 9 lanes of swimming

The pool…..

Mechanical Building

Slide

Tippy Buckets

Geysers

Kiddy Slide

Parent BenchUnder Umbrella

Tables Under Umbrellas

Medium Dive Board

High Dive Board

Low Dive Board

What about around the pool?

• New rubber coated security fence around the entire center

• New mechanical building situated approximately where the existing one is

• Concrete deck area surrounding the pool

• On the west side of the pool, a grass area that will house 3 additional shaded seating areas

The entire thing….

Who will use the pool?• Since 2009, pool passes purchased increased

an average of 12% every year

• Not just for kids….lap swimmers, water walkers, swim meets, etc.

• We would attract families from nearby towns as well as our own residents

• If we had more options for the little ones, these numbers would be even higher

Along Those Lines….Let’s Tap Into Backbone

• Last year, Backbone had 240,000 visitors

• Those campers bring revenue to our local businesses

• Current overflow campers tend to go to Elkader, why not to Strawberry Point?

• There are 125 campsites, just over 2000 acres and 21 miles of hiking/biking trails

More about the community room….

• The room will have a 50 person occupancy

• Not just for summer usage – year round availability

• Available for rental – think birthday parties, family reunions, meetings, etc.

• When dangerous weather threatens, it will be used as a storm shelter

Where’s the money for all of this?

• Grants, donations, fundraisers

• Our budget = less than $2M

• On the plus side…the pool will NOT be closed down for the season

Wrap Up….

• Please remember these are INITIAL plans, nothing is set in stone

• We welcome and value your input

• Full size plans are laid out for your review

• Let us know your thoughts and questions

Let’s all work together to improve our community for the future!

Thank you for coming tonight!