Pool progress moving swimmingly

Committee on track for summer construction

OTHELLO — Swimmers in Othello may not be able to take a dip this summer, but the construction they see will be plenty to whet their appetites.

Pool committee members have been finalizing design and construction costs on a new pool complex, with construction crews ready to make their splash this summer. Alan Hanks, chairman of the pool's design committee, said swimmers should be jumping into the new facility in June 2007.

"I'm just tickled to death," Hanks said. He added the relief has been huge for the project now that they can see the finish line.

Othello area voters approved a $2.6 million bond in February, following two failed ballot attempts, and the permanent closure of the city's Lions Park pool in 2004.

Preliminary designs for the new pool include features like a lazy river, also separating the slide from the lap swimming area, in addition to the traditional lap swimming and zero-depth pools. A favorable bond rate, construction costs and volunteer work to demolish the old pool have been attributed to addition of the new pool features.

"This particular pool has kind of an innovative design to it," Hanks said of the new structure, pointing to the stainless steel side wall construction and a vinyl-type lining of the walls. The construction aims not to weather, and will not require the amount of painting and upkeep of its predecessor. Hanks said the city won't have to do any maintenance on the structure for its 15-year warranty, adding there is a patch which can be used on the lining in the event of a tear or rip.

Designs for the new facility show the existing bathhouse converted to a mechanical room, with a new bathhouse and concessions building on site. The proposed design moves the slide away from the pool structure, allowing use of the slide during swimming competitions in the adjacent lap swimming area. Designers have told Hanks the lap swim will be the least popular of the attractions, with patrons flocking to the slide, zero-depth area and lazy river.

"They tell us everybody uses the lazy river," Hanks said. "Kids use it, adults use it, athletes use it to train against the current."

And when they're done in the water, Hanks said there will be plenty of room for the whole family to enjoy the shade.

"We're trying to give lots of space outside the pool too, so people have some shade and picnic," He said.

With a completely new structure, pool enthusiasts are expecting a larger attendance on an on-going basis. With all the features

and spray fountains as well, the city should see in excess of 200 people each day.

But Hanks stressed the facility would be a basic one. Hanks recently visited the pool in Goldendale, which will have a similar setup to Othello's new draw.

"It's comparable to Goldendale, comparable to Ritzville," Hanks said. "Comparable to ones small communities are putting in."