City pool in better shape than expected

McCOOK, Nebraska -- After the projected expense of a water slide proposed to be constructed at the McCook municipal swimming pool rose from $180,000 to more than $300,000, city staff became concerned that given the age of the McCook pool, an engineering survey should be completed to ensure costly upkeep issues weren't also on the horizon.

City staff hired an engineering firm to determine the condition of the pool and although the pool study is still being completed, Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff told the McCook City Council Monday that initial indicators revealed the pool was in much better condition than he had expected.

"It's an old technology, but apparently a very good one," said Potthoff.

Potthoff said a water slide has been determined to be too costly but a splash pad similar to what Cambridge, Nebraska, recently installed may be a good alternative.

Potthoff's pool update followed comments from City Manager Jeff Hancock pertaining to $130,000 proposed in the upcoming budget for the slide. Hancock said that although the water slide was included in the budget, city staff would be waiting on completion of a pool study before investing anything into the pool.

Potthoff suggested the funding item be renamed to pool improvements, instead of water slide.