A plan is on file at Ottawa City Hall for Kmetz Architects to design a new public swimming pool. It would cost $4.5 million, plus the architect fee of 9%. Mayor Dan Aussem suggests spending cannabis sales tax revenue on it.
Commissioner Marla Pearson says it wouldn’t make sense to spend the $500,000 needed for repairs at Riordan Pool to open it for this summer only. So, it would be closed this year and the new pool would open next year. For water fun, the city’s new splash pad at Thornton Park is expected to open for this summer.
Commissioner James Less says Riordan Pool operates at a loss of $100,000 per year, so he’d like something more efficient.
Aussem expects a newer, nicer pool to draw more customers.