The Plan: Past and Present

In early 2023, we spent months working with Burbach Aquatics, Inc., a company with 45 years experience building commercial swimming pools. For reference, Burbach has build pools in Adel, Cedar Rapids, Reinbeck, Eagle Grove and Missouri Valley - they also have done many pools in other states. We meticulously considered which features were the most important and evaluated many different designs.

The SHAPE committee itself is made up of people have worked with the current pool for years. Along with community input we decided our highest priorities were zero-depth entry, an improved bathhouse with easier access to the pool, an open-swim area (something kids love about the current pool), room for instructor-led water aerobics, increased shade, a diving board and more activities for toddlers and babies.

After months of careful consideration by the SHAPE Committee, a recommendation was made to the Jewell City Council on May 22, 2023, to approve Version #6 of many considered for the project. The recommendation was approved unanimously. This version, pictured below, included the following features:

After even more consideration, and amid concerns from the Jewell City Coucil that the project was too expensive, we decided to cut Spray/Splash Pad from the project. It adds $325,200 to the total cost. The water it uses cannot be recycled, so it would use/waste a tremendous amount of water. There are also concerns that ongoing maintenance would be cost-prohibitive. So as of July 2024, the plans for the Splash Pad have been scraped. An additional $115,000 has been added as a 3rd phase - if raised, that money will go to additions like shade structures and water features.

Additionally, the original plan earmarked $800,000 to build a bathhouse that would serve as a FEMA shelter for the town. FEMA shelters are hardened structures specifically designed to meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) criteria and provide near-absolute protection in extreme wind events, including tornadoes and hurricanes. We were especially motivated by the promise of federal grants that could help cover some, if not all, of the costs of the building. Upon further review, it became clear that not only could the grants not be counted on to cover most of the bathhouse costs, but also it could take years to win these grants, which isn't in line with our project timeline. As such, we have instead budgeted for a much improved but toned-down and non-FEMA bathhouse.

 

Why Is It So Expensive?

$3 million is a lot of money, but when you understand a few details it becomes more reasonable:

First, there are natural phases to this project:

$2,380,000 Phase 1: Building the Pool and Mechanical Building
$700,000 Phase 2: Bathhouse
$115,000 Phase 3: Optional Amenities (tot slides, shade structures, water features, etc.

So though $3,195,000 seems like a somewhat overwhelming amount, it isn't all-or-nothing. If we fall short of our goals (though we don't think we will!!) we can scale back some of the "optional" items and spend less.

Second, there are many grants that we have and will continue to apply for. These grants can amount to anything from $1500 to $1,000,000 and we expect to raise a significant amount from them. However, many of the grants, especially the larger ones, can't be applied for until we have raised 50%-65% of the total project expense. So while progress may seem slow at first, we expect it to gain momentum quickly.

Finally, it must be remembered that the current pool is in disrepair (see FAQs) and repairing it and getting it up to code will be extremely expensive.. We believe that having a more fun, usable and attractive pool will ultimately make this area better for our children and grandchildren and will help Jewell thrive into the future.

How Are We Going To Pay For It?

The South Hamilton Area Pool will be financed by a combination of funds, including:

Fundraising events - to raise money and awareness of the project

Donations from local businesses

Donations from individuals

Grants

Ongoing Expenses After the Pool is Built

We fully appreciate that it is important that all taxpayers understand how building a new pool will impact their tax burden. An original estimate of annual operating expenses done by Burbach Aquatics was not a correct reflection of the adjusted proposed pool. The SHAPE Committee is actively working on estimates for ongoing annual expenses and will publish that information here and on our Facebook page as soon as we have accurate estimates.

The SHAPE Committee

We are always looking for individuals who want to help by donating their time or good ideas! Please let us know if you would like to volunteer or join our committee. Contact a SHAPE committee member or e-mail us at buildthepool@gmail.com.

build the pool