City Considers Whether to “Take the Plunge” on Lions Field Pool in Charles City

Like many municipal swimming pools, the Lions Field Pool in Charles City is “under water” financially.

Park-Rec Director Tyler Mitchell reported to the City Council Monday (12.04) night that his talks with other Park-Rec Directors, including Waukon, New Hampton, West Union and Manchester, all had one thing in common: pools don’t make money.

About a million dollars in repairs and renovations could extend the life of the pool, almost three decades old, by another 20 years. If the City doesn’t make that investment, Park-Rec Board chair Jeff Otto said the pool will lose more water and money and staff.

Councilman DeLaine Freeseman noted that financing large projects like the pool are a tough balancing act. 

The Council took no action on what to do next with the pool, but they have discussed borrowing up to $910,000 to cover the most needed maintenance to extend the life of the pool.