Images from the City of Fergus Falls website.
The City of Fergus Falls posted an update September 5th on the coming Community pool,
Last November Fergus Falls voters said,
“Yes, we want a community pool in Roosevelt Park!”
With the acceptance of the contractor Tradesmen Construction, Inc. of Alexandria, MN, that dream for many residents is becoming a reality and is getting closer by the day.
The first thing that many have asked… When will the pool be ready!?
The pool is tentatively opening in summer 2025.
Tradesmen Construction will develop a timeline based on availability of workers, materials and considering the seasons.
The pool will have two “curly slides” and a zero-depth entry for the smallest kids.
There will be several slides, spinners, splashers, buckets, sprayers, etc. will be scattered throughout the pool.
The four-lane lap pool has a climbing wall that protrudes out over the water.
ADA lifting devices will also be installed along the pool sides to accommodate individuals with physical disability needs.
The bath house will be the business end of the pool, and the admission area, changing rooms, locker area, concessions, staff room and equipment spaces will be located there.
On the pool deck will be tables, chairs and shade structures.
The public – especially kids – will be involved in selecting the colors of the slides.
The architects will narrow it down and the city will work through our partners at the Fergus Falls Library, schools, YMCA to hear from pool users.
Additionally, community task force members are having a thoughtful and strategic conversation about what to name the pool.
The City of Fergus Falls’ website shared that they feel strongly that it should include the name “Fergus Falls.” That helps visitors know what town the pool is in.
There are several elements currently in Roosevelt Park that will stay, including the skateboard park and the two WPA shelters.
The footprint of the pool is designed to maximize the preservation of as many oak trees as possible, though many will still be removed.
Fergus Falls annually plants on average, more than 100 trees and plans to continue to replenish this resource throughout the city.
Much of the playground equipment is being moved to Van Dyke Park (near the museum) and the Kiwanis Otter Riser picnic shelter will be moved to the Higgins Dog Park.
There will be no permanent impact to the sledding hill, only during particular items of work however, it will be restored to as is.
The admission/pricing structure is being determined and have estimated expenses of operations as well.
After offsetting revenue, the annual operations cost to the city is estimated to be $130,000.
A half-percent sales tax increase will be implemented in Fergus Falls beginning October 1, 2023.
The city is allowed to collect that until December 31, 2037, or until enough money has been collected to repay the bonds.
This same funding mechanism was also used for the voter-approved library renovation and the community arena project.
For more information about this and other city projects, please visit the city of Fergus Falls’ website.
In the words of one of the task force members,
“this project meets our mission of creating an aquatics facility that promotes health, vibrancy, and inclusion that is accessible to all ages and abilities. Thank you.”