Status of River View Community Pool updated
In January, the difficult decision was made to not open the swimming pool at River View Community Park in Warsaw for the 2024 season. It had been discovered last fall that the infrastructure of the swimming pool was beyond repair and in need of total replacement.
Since that time, Warsaw’s mayor formed a committee to explore the potential for removal of the existing pool and construction of a new facility. With the help of the village administrator, engineer, and many others, it was determined that the overall cost for a project of this scope would approach $3,000,000. This would not include any new features or even replacement of apparatuses the pool has now, just the pool and pump house.
Furthermore, the consensus among many people familiar with grant funding at the federal, state, and local levels was that it would be unlikely for many funding sources to consider this project given the limit to usage throughout the year, dwindling attendance, and financial operating losses documented over recent seasons.
Additionally, with the difficulty in hiring certified lifeguards and remaining competitive with wages, the operational difficulties experienced would still be a challenge even with a new pool.
It is with great sadness that the decision has been made not to pursue construction of a new pool. Since opening in 1969, the pool has provided countless memories for kids, parents, and grandparents throughout the community.
Moving forward, estimates are being gathered and funding is being sought for the removal of existing structures, which looks to be in the tens of thousands of dollars. Plans are being made for meetings and town hall events to seek public input for what the potential use for this space can be in the future.
Category: People & Places
