FAQ

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?

Several cost-saving initiatives have been recommended to minimize the tax impact of the new aquatic center, 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?

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?

The City has received a report from Ehlers Public Finance Advisor estimating the tax impact of a twenty-year general obligation note of $6.9 million at a projected interest rate of 4.5%.  

According to the report, the annual tax impact on a home assessed at $300,000 would begin at $175 and decrease over twenty years to $76, for an average annual tax impact of $120, or $10 per month.  Similarly, on a home assessed at $200,000, the annual tax impact would range from $117 to $50, for an average of $80, or $6.67 per month for twenty years.  On a home valued at $150,000 the average annual impact would be $60, or $5 per month for twenty years.

Use the Tax Calculator below to determine your monthly tax impact based on your home's assessed value.

Community Benefits

• Economic Growth: A pool levy investment can boost local economic growth by attracting new residents, businesses, and visitors who value quality of life amenities.

• Property Values: A modern pool facility can increase property values, making your community a more desirable place to live.

• Community Hub: Pools serve as community hubs, hosting events, programs, and activities that foster social connections and community engagement.

Health and Wellness

• Water Therapy: Pools provide a safe and accessible space for water therapy, benefiting people with disabilities, injuries, or chronic conditions.

• Recreation for All Ages: Pools offer programs and activities for seniors, youth, and families, promoting intergenerational connections and healthy lifestyles.

• Aquatic Safety: Swimming lessons and water safety programs save lives and reduce the risk of drowning.

Youth Development

• Swim Lessons: Swimming lessons teach life-saving skills, water safety, and confidence.

• After-School Programs: Pools provide a safe and engaging space for after-school programs, promoting youth development and academic success.

• Team Sports: Competitive swim teams and aquatic programs foster teamwork, discipline, and character development.

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.

Follow our facebook page to stay updated on the latest information about the pool.

Interested in becoming a SPLASH Member? Send us a message on facebook

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 Poor/Outdated Construction & Substrate Issues.

In the spring of 2024, while City staff were filling the pool, the shallow portion of the pool settled over 2 inches overnight. The abrupt settlement broke pipes and caused major concrete fractures within the gutter grates, pool floors, and walls.

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 City 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. 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. 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.

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

3. 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.

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.

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:

• Referendum Passing in April

• Engineer Hiring Process 

• Architecture & Design Work

• Construction Bidding

• Fundraising