The total cost of the project is estimated at $140,000 with the city’s share estimated to be about $35,000, he said.
Conway said the NatureWorks Grant program is a reimbursement-type program, so the city would have to pay the entire project cost upfront, and we would then be reimbursed $105,000 under the Grant Program. He said the costs for this project would be paid out of the city’s General Fund.
The Paul E. Fitzgerald Pool is jointly owned by Franklin Twp. and the city of Franklin and both entities pay for a bulk of the operating costs with user fees providing the remaining costs.
Councilman Todd Hall of council’s pool committee said the funding would be part of a multi-phase effort to make pool improvements. He said in addition to the concrete work around the pool and replacing the circulation pipes that have collapsed or plugged, more expensive upgrades will be needed at the pool.
“Eventually we’ll have to replace the pump and the filtration system,” Hall said. “It’s going to take a lot of upgrading because it’s very old and not very efficient.”
Hall said the committee is still discussing future pool improvements such as adding a splash pad and other amenities.
He said the city has spent more than $40,000 in various improvements such as painting the inside of the pools and the buildings, installing a new awning, installing a new fence around the baby pool, painting shelters and light poles.
Hall said the pool is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting. Contact city offices at 937-746-9921 for pool pass as well as rental information for the pool and pool shelter.
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