New pool focuses on fun
With a focus on recreation, the new Jasper pool design incorporates elements of fun and leisure in just about every nook and cranny while creating more options for lounging and relaxation.
The City of Jasper commissioned an aquatic needs study in 2014, which assessed the current pool while making suggestions for updates. However, the city then focused on creating The Parklands while the municipal pool continued to limp along. Built in 1956, the now 67-year-old pool barely made it through the 2023 season with a failed pump that closed the slide in July and, in the last week, a failed chlorinator that required an emergency run to Indianapolis for parts.
“We don’t have the ability to keep this pool going,” Park Director Tom Moorman said. “We are running out of baling twine and duct tape to hold this thing together.”
This project is separate from the Regional Wellness Center.
Hafer Design, an Evansville firm specializing in engineering, architecture and design, presented the plans they have developed in conjunction with pool design firm Counsilman-Hunsaker to the Jasper Park and Recreation Board at the regular Tuesday afternoon meeting.
Hafer Design President Jeff Justice ran the board through the preliminary layout and amenities the completely rebuilt pool could offer residents of the area. He noted the new design is “a very unique configuration.”
“The goal of this design is to create a pool where pretty much every nook, cranny, square inch, square foot has a different experience,” Justice said.
This contrasts the existing 50-meter pool that, according to Park Director Tom Moorman, is primarily only used on the two ends where the diving platforms and slide are located.
The proposed design would create two pool areas connected by a channel. Each area serves distinct roles due to the water depth and features.
The pool will have a zero-depth entry with a gradual decline from the east side that falls to a depth of three to three and a half feet along the western edge of the south portion. This allows for ease of entry for anyone. The northern pool portion will fall from three to three and a half feet to 12 feet in the diving area.
Around the southern pool area, the following features were suggested. A series of hanging rings/obstacles to allow for crossing the pool or falling in; a rope swing; benched seating area for lounging in the water; a play feature with erupting geysers; a shallow wet deck with lounge seating; and a current channel for relaxed floating or water exercises.
According to Hafer, the channel between the two sections could be used for water volleyball with a net crossing the channel.
The northern portion of the pool will include 25-yard lap lanes, a diving area with a diving platform and board, and a catch basin for the multi-level slide that can be configured with up to three runs. Other suggested features on this site could include a basketball goal and a climbing wall.
The new configuration also increases the space to accommodate between 125 to 150 lounge chairs “easily,” according to Justice. Also, additional shaded areas and a covered area that can be reserved for parties will be added.
The entrance to the pool would be moved to the east side. Once inside, the concessions, employee and lifeguard offices and equipment rooms would be in the entrance building, while the restrooms and changing areas would be in a separate facility.
Along with the pool itself, Hafer’s design reconfigures nearly the entire footprint of the municipal pool property. The entrance would be improved with new signage, and the existing tennis courts would be removed to allow more parking.
An equipment and storage building would also be constructed along the western edge of the property.
When asked how this design compares to other outdoor aquatic recreation areas in Southern Indiana, Justice said, “I would say that if we’re able to install all the amenities that are shown here, it would be unique.”
Moorman noted the design incorporates a lot of ages. “It is for children, adults and seniors,” he said. “We can do a lot of activities in there.”
According to the city, early estimates on the cost of the pool upgrade place it at $8 to $8.5 million. The city has identified tax increment finance funds as a source to pay for the project, and a financial model is being discussed with the Jasper Redevelopment Commission.
The designs are expected to be completed and approved later this fall. The bids on the project would be accepted in early 2024, with construction starting next spring. The pool would be closed for the 2024 season and reopen on Memorial Day Weekend in 2025.
