FAQ

We’re thrilled to share the latest on the community pool update! This page is designed to answer your most common questions and keep you informed about everything we've been working on. Our goal is to ensure this project reflects the needs and vision of our community, so you’ll find answers here on the process, potential cost, and ways to stay involved.

If you have a question that isn’t covered below, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help make this project a success for everyone!

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When is the Referendum?

The 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?"

Potential Cost

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:



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.

Why should I VOTE YES on APRIL 1st if I don't use the pool?  


Community Benefits

Health and Wellness

Youth Development


How can I get involved?

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.

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General

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:


Leaks



Pool Failure:


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.


Location

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:

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



Timeline and Goals

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: