City of Gibson Pool Exploratory Committee met May 23.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Gibson City Pool Exploratory Committee
Susie Tongate called the meeting to order @ 5:00 p.m.
Others present were committee members Randy Ferguson, and Jan Hall. Paul Phillips was absent. Mayor Dickey was meeting us onsite in Champaign.
Minutes from April 29, 2019 were reviewed and approved.
Committee traveled to Champaign and met with C.O.O. Kim Webb of the Stephens YMCA. Kim explained that the Stephens YMCA is operated solely on gifts and donations. They receive no government tax dollars. They do charge membership fees.
The Stephens YMCA is a huge multi-use facility; all enclosed swimming pool, always staffed with lifeguards, a YMCA requirement. They have a gymnasium, walking deck, exercise rooms, chapel, many offices, etc. Ms. Webb suggested that we consider a feasibility study, or a marketing study to obtain accurate responses that would indicate our local populations opinions on fees, usage, etc.
The committee then visited Lincolnshire Fields Country Club outdoor pool. We were hosted by Engineer Andy Keiser and his wife Debbie. This pool is private, outdoor, and operates from May 1 through September 30th annually. This pool has a zero entrance, depths varying up to a maximum depth of 12 feet. At the 12 ft. depth, they have one low diving board and a slide, with locked gated stairs. At the shallow end, there are 2 sets of 3 fountain like features. The one other recreation item is a basketball hoop permanently mounted on deck at the 10ft. depth level. There were no lifeguards on duty at this time, and it was explained that the guards are usually scheduled from June through August. May and September are ‘swim at your own risk’, and ‘children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult’ Andy Keiser designed this pool, and it has been in operation for about 5-6 years. As a member, Andy volunteers his time to open and close the pool and takes care of the mechanical equipment throughout the season.
The Committee was very impressed with the overall design of the outdoor heated pool (Lincolnshire Fields; members present agreed that this could be a perfect fit for replacing our current swimming pool with slight modifications. The fact that the price is probably more within reach for Gibson City was also very enticing. Andy Keiser also answered the question about construction being done with the idea that it could become an enclosed pool in the future
The committee will meet again within 2 weeks to discuss our next step. To date we have visited 4 pools, 3 of which were enclosed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
http://www.gibsoncityillinois.com/images/Gibson_City_Pool_Exploratory_Committee_minutes_5.23.19.docx
Alerts Sign-up