WIUM Local
(2007-11-14)
Glenwood Pool
The Macomb Pool Committee's report estimates the total cost of the project is $3.3 million, which would include construction of an adjoining community center.
The money would come from three sources:
1) A .5% increase in the sales tax for three years. It's projected to generate about $800,000 each year.
2) A state grant of $400,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
3) A local fundraising campaign designed to bring in $500,000.
The committee says bonding would not be necessary if those three steps are taken.
The sales tax increase would need to be approved by voters. Pool Committee Chair Chuck Wrenn believes the earliest it could go on the ballot is November of next year. He also says the state grant would not be available until the referendum is passed.
Wrenn reviewed the committee's recommendations with reporters. You can listen to the news conference by clicking on the audio button. Note: the reporters' questions are off-mic and difficult to hear.
Additional information:
*The committee says the new pool should offer modern features and be overseen by a fulltime facilities manager who would also operate the community center and Ball Fore.
*The panel also recommends that both the city and park district set aside money in a special account so that funding is available if/when major repairs are required for the new facility.
*The committee believes Glenwood Pool is good for just a few more years and only minor amounts of money should be spent to keep it operating.
*The committee believes attendance at Glenwood has diminished over the years for a number of reasons. Among other things, the committee admonished the park district for failing to adapt to the times in both programming and publicity.
*Five possible sites were suggested for the new pool and community center:
1) Glenwood Park, south of the current parking lot.
2) Downing Park, once the ball diamonds are moved from that location.
3) North of Skate Land, with Skate Land becoming a community center.
4) The park district's 80-acre University Drive site.
5) The north edge of Patton Park.
*The committee spent about a year-and-a-half working on its report. © Copyright 2013, wium
