FAQ

What caused the Platteville Family Aquatic Center (PFAC) to be unusable? 

In October 2024, a geotechnical survey was conducted by Chosen Valley Testing (CVT) which attributed the failure of the existing structure to construction methods that were used during the 1992 project and possibly the failure to remove certain sections of the subsurface and replace them with the appropriate type of fill.

Pool Facts:

Age:

• The existing pool was completed in 1996.

Leaks: 

• The exact start of the leaks is unclear, but reports from former pool managers and parks staff suggest leakage occurred for decades. Water usage data show a sharp increase starting in 2014.

• In 2022 a city staff audit of the water use determined that the pool was losing over 2 million gallons of water. This is the equivalent of filling the pool nearly six times over four months.

• In the fall of 2022 and spring of 2023, the City hired engineers and contractors to remove all the grates, repair broken pipes, and repair leaks within the gutter and pool walls.

Pool Failure:

• In the spring of 2024, while city staff was filling the pool, the shallow portion of the pool settled over 2 inches overnight.  

• The abrupt settlement caused major concrete fractures within the gutter grates, pool floors and walls, and breaking pipes. Pictures of the damage are included within this FAQ.

Can the pool be repaired without complete replacement?

It is impractical to repair the pool with the current subsoil conditions. Through conversations with engineers and construction industry professionals, it was a consensus that any repair conducted would have a high probability of future settlement and structural failure.

Why are we not considering a YMCA? 

The committee evaluated the option of a YMCA but decided it wasn’t the best fit for Platteville’s specific needs. YMCA facilities are typically multi-purpose and may not meet the dedicated aquatic recreation and community gathering functions that a public pool provides. Additionally, establishing a YMCA involves unique funding and operational requirements that differ from those for a public aquatic center, making this option less viable for our goals. 

Why not just build a splash pad?

A splash pad alone doesn’t fully meet the community’s aquatic needs. While splash pads are great for younger children, a full pool offers more diverse activities, such as lap swimming, swimming lessons, water slides, and spaces for families to gather. Survey results indicated a preference for a broader range of features which a splash pad alone would not provide.

What is the recommended location for the new pool and how did we decide on that location?

After careful evaluation, the recommended location for the new pool is the current site of the PFAC. We assessed five other potential locations; however, the current site emerged as the best choice due to its central location, accessibility to parks and schools, and the reduced need for modifications compared to other sites. Other sites posed challenges such as elevation issues, parking limitations, and the loss of existing recreational spaces. Results of the Geotechnical survey conducted in October 2024 indicate that the current site would accommodate a new aquatic center.

Why is the committee not recommending an indoor pool?

The committee’s recommendation for an outdoor pool is based on multiple factors:

1. Community Preference: Survey responses show that 92% of respondents agree that Platteville needs an outdoor aquatic center.

2. Desired Features: Residents favored outdoor features like water slides (83%) and a zero-depth entrance (74%), which scored highly on the survey’s “Essential Features” question.

3. Cost: An indoor facility would cost three to five times more than an outdoor pool, and require year-round staffing and maintenance, which could place a financial burden on the community.

4. Existing Facilities: UW-Platteville already offers an indoor pool, which sees limited attendance in the summer and has struggled to attract lifeguards.

These factors make an outdoor pool a more feasible and community-aligned choice.

How much is a new pool going to cost?

The cost of the new pool is still being estimated. Precise figures will be available as we proceed with planning and design.

What efforts are being made to reduce the cost of the new aquatic center?

PARS is committed to minimizing the tax impact of the new aquatic center. To achieve this, the committee has recommended several cost-saving initiatives, including:

• Reuse some or all of the exterior portions of the bathhouse and mechanical building, saving an estimated $1-3 million.

• If feasible, refurbish and reuse the existing waterslide for an estimated cost savings of $400,000

• Initiate design and concept work in early 2025 which could enable construction bidding to begin in 2025, realizing an estimated savings of $500,000 or more due to inflation.  

How does the City plan to pay for a new outdoor aquatic center?

The city intends to use multiple funding sources to pay for a new aquatic center including grants, donations, fundraisers, and borrowing.

Why can’t the project be funded entirely through private donations and grants?

PARS has evaluated grant opportunities and fundraising options to minimize reliance on tax dollars. While the City will actively pursue all available grants, funding for projects like the aquatic center is limited, highly competitive, and not guaranteed. Community fundraising and private donations are also vital to the project but are unlikely to generate the significant amount needed to bridge the funding gap. As a result, a combination of funding sources, including tax support, is essential to move the project forward. Survey results indicate that most community members support the use of tax funding for the new aquatic center.

How much would a new aquatic center raise our taxes?

Funding a new pool will likely involve a tax increase, spread over a limited number of years until fulfilled to reduce the impact on individual taxpayers. The potential annual tax impact is still being calculated.

Will there be a Referendum?

Yes, an advisory referendum will be held on April 1, 2025. The question on the ballot will read:

"Should the City of Platteville borrow up to $6.9 million for the construction of a replacement aquatic center?"

When will the pool be ready to open again?

At this time there is no definitive timeline for the completion of a new pool. Multiple factors will impact the timing including:

• City Council Approval

• Fundraising

• Referendum Timing

• Engineer Hiring Process 

• Architecture & Design Work

• Construction Bidding

Next steps/how can community members help?

Community members can continue to be involved by attending public meetings, providing input during feedback sessions, and staying informed about progress through our website. Additionally, opportunities to support the project through local fundraising initiatives and volunteer programs will be available as the project develops.