The Crete Swimming Pool was the main topic of discussion a the Park and Recreation Committee meeting last Wednesday at City Hall.

Committee members discussed the future needs and possible costs of renovation of the 20-year-old pool, located at 4th and Grove at Wildwood Park.

Tom Ourada, director of Public Works and Josi Hoesche, recreation director, presented a laundry list of projects and improvements possible with  the pool. Ourada said the basics of the pool are sound, however maintenance issues such as yearly painting have resulted in the need to sandblast the surfaces to prevent paint chipping. The bond for the pool was paid off this year.

An estimate of total repair costs could run about $400,000 and could include slide replacement, drain corrections, breaking and replacing existing concrete, new filtration systems and gas heaters.

The committee discussed forming a separate, citizen committee to go over options and improvement projects. The city is considering a bond issue to pay for renovations. If a bond is put on the ballot, elected officials must step back from encouraging public support for a bond and let a committee garner approval.

Ourada and Hoesche both submitted names of possible committee members. The Park and Recreation committee was scheduled to consider the names at their next meeting, held yesterday (Tuesday) after press time.

Committee members stressed the importance of getting the public involved and to show commitment to the pool. The citizen committee will look over design ideas and possible new additions to the pool, funded by a proposed bond.

“If we do it right the first time and bring in some new attractions, and if we have a plan in place before the pool opens,” Council member Jack Oelschalger said, “people will understand the project better.”