Mid-July 2024 will mark one year since the kick-off meeting and Sargent Pool Party started the journey of a possible pool project in Sargent.
Results of a Pool Feasibility Study which includes a survey, made possible by a 2023 grant, will be in front of the Sargent City Council on May 14 as they work to decide on a course of action.
Link to the Pool Feasibility Study presentation: Sargent Swimming Pool Presentation
Options range from a cost of $0 and not having an operating permit granted for the 2025 swim season to construction of a new bathhouse and pool facility costing an estimated $3.8 million.
Temporary piping installed in 2022 resulted in the Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy (NDEE) approving operation for the 2023 and 2024 swim seasons. An operating permit will not be received if required improvements are not completed by the 2025 swim season.
The current facility features a 79 foot long pool up to 12 feet deep, a 20 foot diameter wading pool up to 18 inches deep, office and changing rooms totaling just over 1,000 square feet, and a 115 square foot mechanical room. Perceived deficiencies include ADA access, water loss issues, deep end requirements for a 1 meter diving stand, and wading pool pipes leaking.
while improvements are being undertaken?
The survey gathered 153 responses (30.6% response rate) on subjects including the pool’s current amenities, perceived deficiencies, proposed future improvements, and options going forward.
In the survey, over a third of respondents indicated that the Sargent Swimming Pool was in “good” condition, while over half indicated that it is in “poor” condition. A slightly higher number of respondents believe that the city should build a new swimming pool rather than renovate the existing swimming pool. (42% “yes” to renovations, 56% “yes” to building new)
When asked about location if a new pool were to be constructed, a slight majority believe the pool should remain in the same location. Different location suggestions included the ball park, veterans park, and an indoor pool.
The top five amenities respondents want to see at the swimming pool are evening hours, changing rooms/showers, water slide(s), water aerobics, and a shallow water play area.
Possible improvements have boiled down to five options.
1. Do nothing
2. Rehab the bathhouse, add a new wading pool, and make pool improvements
3. Rehab the bathhouse, add a new wading pool, and make pool improvements including a stainless steel gutter system
4. Rehab the bathhouse and install a new swimming pool
5. Build a new bathhouse and a new swimming pool
Option one, doing nothing, would obviously not address the temporary return piping that needed replaced before the 2025 swim season, resulting in an operating permit not being granted.
Option two would replace the deck and fence around the pool, replace recirculation piping, install a new wading pool, and modify the bathhouse to address ADA requirements. The projected cost of option two is $1,323,900.
Option three mirrors option two besides the addition of a stainless steel gutter system. The projected cost of option three is $1,464,200.
Option four’s modification of the bathhouse and removal and replacement of the swimming pool would result in a four lane 25 yard long pool, zero entry with splash and play features, a 1 meter diving board, climbing wall, and an ADA compliant bathhouse. The projected cost of option four is $3,166,200.
Option five, through new builds, would increase pool size by just under 1,000 square feet and bathhouse size by approximately 800 square feet. The projected cost of option four is $3,895,400.
Funding opportunities include grants, foundations and non-profits, community fundraising and private donations, as well as a sales tax or bond.
After the Sargent City Council determines a path for moving forward, developments could include renderings for the fundraising option chosen, a design based on the city’s needs, obtaining bids, and ultimately construction.
