Plans for new pool, park taking shape

The Cameron Park Board will decide whether to move forward with multiple plans as construction of a recently approve pool and city park enter the design phase.

During a special meeting Wednesday, the board will decide whether to approve a contract with Vireo Landscape to design the park and hire Lamp Rynearson Aquatics Group Leader Andy Smith to oversee construction of the future Cameron Aquatic Facility.

“We want to focus on keeping the aquatic center moving forwards as fast as we can,” Cameron Public Works Director Drew Bontrager said.

The haste may stem from the Park Board’s intention to open the new aquatic center in July. Although Bontrager initially forecasted the opening of the new aquatic center for the fall of 2021, in August Smith outlined a plan to open the pool by July of 2021. Another factor for opening the pool next year could significant costs associated with keeping the current structure open, which city officials estimated lost 75 gallons of water per hour and costs the city more than $20,000 in utilities. 

“I don’t think the pool is going to make it another year,” Park Board Member Jennifer Helmich said. “I say we try, and if we don’t get there, we haven’t lost anything. I just don’t think it’s feasible to keep it going another year. If the winter doesn’t allow [construction], then it doesn’t allow it.”

The board also:

Appointed Chris Wilkinson to the park board to replace Rich Whalen.

Set a September 9 date for a special meeting.

Discussed naming options for the new Cameron City park.