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What’s quicker: Pool at PV park, or Cedars Edge?
by Lisa McDonald · News · June 23, 2016


Parks and Recreation Commission leaders disagree on what would take longer: building a pool at Cedars Edge Golf Course or building it on city land.
Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Russell believes the building timeline would be comparable regardless of whether the pool is built at the golf course or in Pedersen Valley. Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Shane Staker believes building at the golf course would expedite the process.

The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting June 16 at city hall raised several questions, including pool location. The commission met with golf course co-owner Jerry Sexton to discuss logistics of building a pool on his property.

Location discussion had several key considerations. The commission said the current road to the golf course is not safe for children who walk. Sexton said a road connecting Greenview Drive and Orange Street would help.

Commission members said using the golf course would require the city to rent space from the Sextons, either through a lease or tax rebates. Pedersen Valley park is owned by the city and would not require rent payments.

Location would also determine the type of pool. A pool at the golf course would be outdoor while a pool in Pedersen Valley would be indoor.

Sexton said he is already in contact with architects and would like to know if a golf course pool is a serious consideration because it would influence his clubhouse design.

If a pool is a serious consideration, Sexton said he would build a self-contained addition to the clubhouse for pool changing rooms. Commission members discussed the merits of a city-run concession stand next to food offered at the clubhouse.

The possibility of a golf course pool comes in the wake of increased interest in a city pool. A March 2014 Parks and Recreation survey reported families would more likely use a pool than community/recreation center.

Commission Chairman Shane Staker said pools are known to be city “budget killers.”

Sexton said a pool increases the appeal for people to move here.

The commission said a next step would be to contact West Liberty to find out the operating costs for their pool.

Commission members said Parks and Recreation Phase 1 improvements, $4 million worth of projects approved by voters in November, must be completed first before a pool project could be started in earnest.



Editor's note: This story was updated June 30 to correct who used the term "budget killers."