Councilors see plan that could replace Kuehn, Frank Olson pools with indoor rec centers
Sioux Falls city staff presented a plan to councilors on Tuesday night recommending the construction of two indoor recreation centers in place of two of the city's aging pools, though potential costs can only be estimated at this time, and construction could be years away.
The presentation was another step in the ongoing process to map out the future of the city's aquatics facilities, some of which are more than 50 years old.
Don Kearney, director of the city's Parks and Recreation Department, told councilors that what they'd heard as they quizzed the public on what they wanted to see from new pools was more shade, less crowding and "multi-generational recreation centers" in place of Frank Olson and Kuehn pools, although those recreation centers would still include pools.
More:First meetings on city pools show support for more indoor facilities
Among a series of potential concepts shown to councilors were plans for two 60,000 square foot indoor recreation centers at those locations, alongside improvements to things like parking, pedestrian access and baseball fields.
Alternative plans showing the sites with outdoor aquatics centers were also included, though the presentation's recommendations began with, "Prioritize indoor multi-generational recreation center with aquatics at Frank Olson or Kuehn Park, ideally both."
Kearney said the city is probably six months away from knowing what the final cost for any of the proposals could be, although Park Development Specialist Mike Patten showed several comparisons, including a similarly-sized $24 million indoor recreation center built in Watertown in 2018.
Another comparable center, an 80,000 square foot facility in Rexburg, Idaho, is currently under design, with an investment of $55 million.
The centers could provide programming space for everything from running tracks and indoor playgrounds to sport courts and, of course, water for recreation, fitness and more.
While the indoor centers would certainly be the most notable development, potential concepts for other facilities were shown, including removing a sand area from Terrace Park, replacing the wading pool at McKennan Park and improving locker rooms and access to shade across all parks.
Master planning for the facilities is expected to go through 2023, with the design process completing in 2024 and construction estimated to finish sometime in 2026.
The city's capital program, approved earlier this year, called for the issuance of a quality of life bond in late 2023 or early 2024 as the process gets underway.
Councilors were supportive of the proposals but had questions about potential costs. Kearney said at this point he could only point to the comparable centers they'd provided, adding that the city was always looking for effective public-private partnerships.
Councilor Sarah Cole made a point to focus on another cost: what people would need to pay for the proposed facilities, should they be built.
"It's so important that this is an affordable option for families," Cole said.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Falls aquatic facility updates could include indoor rec centers
