Voters want ‘bold’ pool

Area citizens vote in favor of $9.2 million family aquatic center

By Jeff Bunn
Capital Journal staff
Published/Last Modified on Thursday, Jun 04, 2009 - 01:26:51 am CDT

PIERRE — A night after the local election citizens voted again — this time for a $9.2 million family aquatic center.

Wednesday night, those who attended a meeting at the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce about a potential aquatic center at Steamboat Park offered their input to pool consultants Doug Whiteaker and Scott Stefanc with Water Technology, Inc.

After voting for features they would like to see at the proposed park, including a lazy river, competitive swim pool and simulated surf area, those present voted overwhelmingly for what was termed the ‘bold vision’ — a 24,140- square-foot park consisting of a leisure pool, competitive swim pool, lazy river, large slide and play area where people can surf short distances.

Jeff Bunn | Capital Journal
Ashley Theobald and Tessa Jorgensen look at amenities commonly found at family aquatic centers at the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce Wednesday evening. Pool consultants gauged the audience’s interest in features for a potential water park at Steambaot Park.
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One in the approximately 50-person crowd voted in favor of a mid-level facility that includes a leisure pool and lap pool for $7.2 million.

A common refrain was the seizing the opportunity to build a water park that will bring people from all around the area and state to Pierre.

“Build it and people will come,” said resident Monique Donaldson.

Marshall Miller, of Pierre, was more tempered in his reaction to the facility. He wondered how such a project will be funded and likened the situation to putting the cart before the horse.

Whiteaker said most communities his company has designed pools for used property tax or sales tax to fund construction of the water parks.

“What has to happen is elected officials have to determine what funding sources are going to be the best for them,” he said. “Often times there is fundraising, grant writing, local partnerships that look at how to fund this type of a facility. By and large, most of these types of facilities get funded through some sort of referendum where the entire community votes for its inclusion.”

Whiteaker will develop a detailed diagram of the park and suggest admission rates. He will also research how a city-funded construction project would impact local families. He will deliver that report to the Pierre City Commission in August.

“It’s a big deal for every community,” he said. “It’s kind of like buying a home. What they try to do is get the nicest type of facility they can justify. These types of facilities increase the quality of life for the community.

Laura Schoen Carbonneau, CEO of the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke of Pierre’s ability to catch up with other South Dakota communities that already have outdoor family aquatic centers. She said Pierre could potentially surpass them with better amenities, such as the surfing area. Aberdeen has a near-bold level water park while Brookings has a mid-level one — both familiar parks to many of the families that attended Wednesday night’s event.

Whiteaker said such parks can bring people to Pierre and it’s possible water parks can pay for their operation costs.

“It’s really about being able to have a nice facility that will draw people into the community — make it an economic opportunity to bring money to hotels, restaurants, shopping and make it a fun family experience,” he said.

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58 comment(s)

wow wrote on Jun 18, 2009 8:32 PM:

" The Pierre City Pool is not clean. It hasn't been able to self clean for about 5 years now. The guards at the pool constantly have to skim the pool because it has garbage, leaves, and cotton (what a coincidence). The maintenence at the pool is ridiculous. Some days the pools is murky and looks disgusting. Its not heated. The chlorine levels constantly fluxuate. So think before you make comments about how the pools are clean and just fine when they are clearly not. PCP going on 80+ years "

odinpsd wrote on Jun 18, 2009 8:15 AM:

" Putting aside the ridiculous cost of $9.2 million (which is pretty hard to do!), another issue I have with the waterpark is the locations that are being discussed. Why would we destroy our beautiful parks and natural areas along the river with something that will only be used a few months out of the year and will be an eyesore the rest of the year for visitors and citizens of Pierre alike! Keep these areas as they are and replace the pool with a new updated one in it's current location. It's where it should be! "

BXC wrote on Jun 17, 2009 11:08 PM:

" The conseverative nature of this town is just ridiculous. Any time something new is even brought up that could possibly make our town a little better, people automatically go against it. The city can spend their money to help look into finding a way to replace our outdoor pools because it is something that needs to be done. These type of facilities make money. And in this economy construction costs really low so it may even be less than 9.2 million. "

Just not build wrote on Jun 17, 2009 10:39 PM:

" Hi all: just a news flash
I have lived here since 1972
And the Fort Pierre pool has Always been well mantained and Has always been cheaped to go there than pierre's pool
Ft Pierre pool is deeper with diving boards And always cleaner. No cotton from cotton wood trees Like there would be in Steamboat water park What A joke
REFUBISH POOL AT GRIFFEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Pierre resident wrote on Jun 16, 2009 1:33 PM:

" I have to agree spending millions on an outdoor water park is a waste! Why can't money be put into the Acquatic Center to add-on an outdoor swimming area - there is lots of space to the south of the current bldg! Seems perfect for slides & fun water activities & for those that want to go inside they have that choice RIGHT AT THE SAME LOCATION!! I agree Pierre needs to put their $ into improving the horrible shopping/eating we have here! Our mall is the biggest joke in the state! "

Dont forget the past wrote on Jun 16, 2009 11:54 AM:

" I also have a coupl of questions for the City.... How much have you already spent on this project? Where has that money come from? Why is the City going to compete with a private business when we already have a deficit? Why not put it to a public vote? "

Dont forget the past wrote on Jun 16, 2009 11:50 AM:

" I can't believe the City is building an aquatic center when they already built an indoor Aquatic Center. They considered closing the AC because it couldn't pay for all the expenses a pool incurs. It wasn't until the "Y" included the AC in their membership that the AC was able to stay open. If you build an outdoor AC, then when the weather is actually nice enough to swim outside (maybe 3 months), you will be taking business away from the City's indoor AC. Make's no sense. Also, build it & they will come is a joke. "

YMCA wrote on Jun 16, 2009 7:56 AM:

" We already have a nice pool at the YMCA. Maybe add on a small outdoor pool at the YMCA. "

CB wrote on Jun 12, 2009 9:13 AM:

" It believe it's a good idea but why ruin the tranquility of Steamboat park. I believe that this project can be done in Griffen park. Place the new water park to the west and south of the old pool. Replace the current pool with a up to date skate board area and rehab the old outdoor ice skating rink. "

pool wrote on Jun 11, 2009 4:42 PM:

" This pool will be a great addition for Pierre. In the past few years Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown, Mitchell and Sioux Falls have all opened big new outdoor waterparks and they are all hugely successful, and bring in enormous crowds.

We actually drive up to Aberdeen on occasion just to go to the outdoor pool. Wouldn't it be nice if people were driving to Pierre for the same purpose.

I was in Aberdeen the weekend their pool opened and they had to turn away over 200 people because they were full to capacity. "

Hometown Gal wrote on Jun 11, 2009 2:49 PM:

" It always amazes me how tihings "come to Pierre". If you want people from out of town to come and utiilize this outdoor swimming facilitiy, then you better get some better shopping and eating establishiments in place first. I am disappointed with our curent mall, the shopping in Pierre just isn't good. That is why people go OUT OF TOWN to shop. Ask around..you will be surprised how much stuff is purchased out of town from Pierre/Ft,. Pierre residents. Everything from lumber to carpets to furniture to clothing to food. "

Raised and Residing in Pierre wrote on Jun 11, 2009 12:52 PM:

" I was raised in Pierre and chose to raise my family here in large part because of the quality of life in the community and our schools. I have seen many changes in this community over the past 30 years. The one thing that resounds over in my head is that I wish the city commission would grasp the concept that they are not spending other people's money ... they are spending our money. Where is the money coming from to pay for all these studies and proposals? The companies are not doing it for free. "

Raised and Residing in Pierre wrote on Jun 11, 2009 12:42 PM:

" Who are we kidding. Every time the commission creates a pet project that involves spending taxpayer money they say we need it to improve our quality of life and 'build it and they will come' trying to convince the citizens that it is a profitable venture? Have they come to our mall? How about our aquatic center? How many statewide and regional conventions does the Ramkota River Centre host? How about our airport? If a water park is such a profitable venture, why is this a government venture rather than a private one? "

SJM wrote on Jun 10, 2009 8:50 PM:

" Normally it hasn't been rainy during this month. We just opened the Pierre city pool and its around 60 degrees. It isn't a heated pool. The pump system is becoming harder to even run. Maintenence of the pool is harder each year. We need to replace this pool. Attendence numbers have been down in recent years This new facility can help promote fitness for kids. And this pool would not just be for kids. "

Losing Space wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:20 PM:

" I'm not familiar with what you are talking about. Can you explain? 1/3 of what? Also, what makes you think all those other things would go away? "

to SJM wrote on Jun 10, 2009 11:17 AM:

" Not many go to both towns' pools is becuase of several reasons: its cool & rainy many days; there is a river/lake nearby; there are too many television/video games/etc that kids just stay home all day for now; etc, etc. The current cost for going to either pool isnt the cause of kids going, its all the other stuff kids do nowadays. I really dont think a 9 million facility is going to change that much - maybe some, but not alot. How many currently go to any of the 3 pools daily? "

Losing Space wrote on Jun 9, 2009 11:23 PM:

" Hmm now what I understand is that up to 1/3 was donated to the city on a long term lease from a family with an understanding that a low cost swimming and rec area would be there for the city, So moving this pool out could cost the city the land the skate park, horse shoe pits slides bathhouse and play equipment are. What a tragedy to lose a south pierre standard like that.. I am shocked people want to see the city lose that and overshadow a private sector waterpark the tax payers would not have to fund. "

Former Pierre Resident wrote on Jun 8, 2009 8:21 PM:

" Its good to see things like this happening in the capital city. There is plenty of events going on through out the summer in town to make this pay for itself. Next should be a place big enough for state tournaments and things. I don't know about all those jails though.(LOL) We need more positive things for all people to enjoy. Pierre is rapidly expanding. So should the development............Sure they can go to Rapid or Sioux Falls but why not stay here in Pierre. "

curious wrote on Jun 8, 2009 4:00 PM:

" Some of the comments I have read talk about competing with wheels and sticks.
I live out by there, not much progress is being made half of the new trees are dead. I thought the place was suupose to be open by June 1. Lots to do "

Mike wrote on Jun 8, 2009 7:31 AM:

" I think we should have a nice pool in Pierre to give the kids something to do. Pierre is such a hodge podge town already it would be nice to do something to spruce it up. "

Build a good old fashioned swimming pool for 2.5M wrote on Jun 7, 2009 7:14 PM:

" If you charge $4-6 to enter, which is the minimum for $10M project, you will be pulling kids out of the rivers. Poor kids. Both towns have had affordable swimming since Oahe was built. Take that away and kids will still find a place to swim. The new river is more dangerous than the old Missouri was. "

All for it wrote on Jun 7, 2009 7:08 PM:

" Have you seen the state of current outdoor pool in Pierre? They need to be replaced, and not in the same location at Griffin. It is already crowded at Griffin Park with the skate park, horseshoe complex, tennis courts, the beach, the park itself, and the picnic shelters. The space in Steamboat is not used and people are not going to go just jump in the river when the facility has many cool and different amenities for all ages. This will bring a better quality of life for the area. "

SJM wrote on Jun 6, 2009 9:59 PM:

" This facility will help the quality of life in our community. Have you seen the Pierre and Ft. Pierre outdoor pools? Barely anyone goes to either pools in the summer time. With this new facility it will be family friendly with lots of different activities for different age groups from infants to the adults. It will promote fitness and attract many people to the area. Does anybody even know that the Aquatic Center is not in financial disarray anymore? The Y and the city are partnered to maintain the aquatic center. "

why use tax dollars wrote on Jun 6, 2009 7:28 PM:

" Why are we even thinking about doing this. WHy use tax dollars that we do not have. Why not let the new Go Cart track build an aquatic park with no tax dollars. "

Pierre Old Timer wrote on Jun 6, 2009 3:20 AM:

" Griffin Park's current pool area should be the site of any new outdoor pool. Griffin already has a beach on the river, and the facilities could be improved upon. There have been several drownings in recent years in close proximity to Steamboat Park due to the river current which isn't going to change. Children visiting an outdoor pool area are going to play in the river too. Let's try to keep it as safe and affordable as possible. "

Xdak wrote on Jun 6, 2009 1:32 AM:

" LOL! It's JUNE....and your forcasted temps are in the 50's for the next five days. How many swimmers is that going to draw to your outdoor facility?? Aberdeen and Brookings have aquatic centers??? Sure they do!! There is no other water there!! Only way it will pay for itself is to build it in Vegas or Phoenix. "

Good idea but find someone else to pay for it wrote on Jun 5, 2009 4:08 PM:

" A grand idea and it would sure be nice to do. In fairness to the Council and Mayor, they didn't say they were going to build it tomorrow. The Mayor did say IF we have the money. We don't. Even if there's a T. Denny out there, operating it will cost something too. The bigger the project, the more the cost to operate. But hey, glad to see we can still dream big. Wouldn't be a Capitol here if someone didn't! "

former resident wrote on Jun 5, 2009 3:19 PM:

" I applaud Pierre in wanting to bring new, fun things to town. Even though I don't live there any longer, if there is a fundraising campaign, I will be one of the first to donate! "

former resident wrote on Jun 5, 2009 3:18 PM:

" One problem that Pierre has always had is that although the town offers a great deal to those with hunting and fishing interests, it lacks in activities to those who don't have those interests. I have always thought that Pierre is missing out on a whole market of people due to the fact that if one member of a family wants to come to Pierre to hunt/fish, what do the other members of that family do to entertain themselves. You can only go to the Discovery Center so many times! I applaud Pierre. . . . . . "

Most people want a new pool.. With ammenities wrote on Jun 5, 2009 1:14 PM:

" Most people want a nice pool... Where were you few complainers when the meeting was held. I didnt see anyone! You post your comments without even a mention of your name.. You say things about this project without being knowlegable about what is even going on. I dont make much money but want ammenties that most comminties already have... These blogs are so bad in so many ways...... "

Why wrote on Jun 5, 2009 12:01 PM:

" Sometimes I think the City of Pierre is just coming up with these ideas and projects so they can add them to their promotional line they use on a daily basis.

Eagle Creek, so many mile of hiking and biking trails, number of pheasants, “sticks and wheels”, so many motel rooms, etc., etc.

The citizens of Pierre deserve more then another “tourist attraction” to add on some promotional brochure.

We need leaders that have fiscal responsibility. "

Good Idae wrote on Jun 5, 2009 11:54 AM:

" Why don't we just tear off the roof at the indoor pool and use the 9 million for something usefull? "

voters wrote on Jun 5, 2009 9:02 AM:

" I see kids in the picture... were they part of the vote? Of course kids are going to choose a pool with all the bells and whistles... They don't understand the cost.

Is there something wrong with the current pool? Can't you just add a waterslide to the current pool? Whatever happened to the splash park that was proposed?

If Wheels and Sticks is building a waterslide park, why does the city need to compete with that? Pierre/Ft.Pierre isn't that big of an area to support 2 waterslides. "

Wondering wrote on Jun 5, 2009 8:28 AM:

" If i remeber correctly, there is a private company working on a lazy river and a waterslide in a project already in the works, why would the city want too risk taxpayers money to see if this is a profitable venture. What's wrong with the pool we have anyhow. We builad somthing bigger and better also means more expansive for a days entertainment, which is fine for those on an unlimited budget, we all are not so fortunate. Think about it, why go into cometition with the new buisness trying to get started. "

jeff wrote on Jun 5, 2009 8:19 AM:

" OK, Pierre, build a pool that is in direct compitission with the new business going up in Ft. Pierre. Nothing like government competing with private enterprise! Keep your old pool, maybe take a year off, and rebuild the old one, but I don't think you need a water park sponsered by the government. "

to confused wrote on Jun 5, 2009 8:18 AM:

" Now I'm confused - "50 people that attended the meeting and "voted" constitute the voice of the people" - Was this meeting invitation only? Were you there? Those who took the time to attend and voice their opinions should be heard. This is the same concept as those who dont vote in elections dont have the right to complain about elected officials. "

Really Think 2 wrote on Jun 5, 2009 8:01 AM:

" I agree with "Confused", lets put this to a vote. The small majority that was at the meeting DOES not constitute the majority of the people in Pierre. I don't recall hearing about the meeting but I hope in the future that all of us on here against this show up to these meetings to voice our opinions. Not sure what good it will do but we have to try!!! I, like "RIggs" feel we are teaching our children poor spending habits. If you can't afford it, you can still have it. Just rob Peter to pay Paul. "

Really Think wrote on Jun 5, 2009 7:57 AM:

" We have to quit comparing ourselves to Brookings and Aberdeen. They have much more to offer than Pierre does....more shopping, State Tournament Venues, etc. They HAVE the funds! We do not!! The past 3 years we have heard how we are in a deficit, how can you then turn around and build a 9 million dollar facility that is only useable maybe 5 months out of the year? We have private people who are already builiding something for the kids to do with the waterpark aspect. Why compete!? We still have an aquatic center that we are paying for. "

RE Concerned wrote on Jun 5, 2009 12:34 AM:

" I like your train of thought but let's make sure our facts are straight. "one state basketball tournament will produce 10 times more money in one weekend" isn't exactly true. Land taxes, building upkeep, the cost of building such a building taking into consideration it isn't that much of a difference. A multi use facility needs to be just that.. multi use. Indoor tennis courts, indoor soccer, basketball and everything else. That's the only way that one makes any money as well! Just want to clarify! "

what a bunch of fools wrote on Jun 4, 2009 11:32 PM:

" great waste of money "

Riggs wrote on Jun 4, 2009 9:23 PM:

" We have a great pool that is not paid for yet,how about show our children we pay for what we have before we spend money we don't have....If we continue this left wing approach of we are "entitled "to this pool and our grand children can pay for it....What a great Legacy we have left...... "

Confused wrote on Jun 4, 2009 6:33 PM:

" The article states that voters want a bold pool. I'm not sure how you can state that 50 people that attended the meeting and "voted" constitute the voice of the people. I agree with many other people that spending this much money on a water park is not very fiscally responsible during these times of economic stress. If they really want to know the people's opinion, put it on the ballot along with the amount of tax increases required. Then you will know what the people want. "

51st citizen wrote on Jun 4, 2009 4:01 PM:

" For those of you dilusionals who think this a great idea stop and think. We probably have more miles of shoreline offering "free swimming" than some ocean cities. Nobody is going to swing through Pierre on there way to Mt. Rushmore to swim in a pool. This is nothing more than some people in power trying to flex. Maybe we could just add a waterslide to the new bridge at capital lake. File this with other great ideas like moving the legion and putting a soccer complex in the middle of a nature-area. "

glad I moved wrote on Jun 4, 2009 3:27 PM:

" I can't believe how many people are against so many things in Pierre... Nothing will ever be good enough for you people. It doesn't hurt to look at both sides.

Aberdeen and Brookings both have nice city waterparks - and the admission is reasonable. "

Jethro wrote on Jun 4, 2009 2:34 PM:

" The funding solution is easy. Each of the 50 voters can pony up $184,000.00 to fund the project. When it becomes a huge success they can re-coup their investment and let out a collective "I told you so." "

Concerned wrote on Jun 4, 2009 1:45 PM:

" Part 3. Does everyone remember the Hustan property in Ft. Pierre? The City of Pierre purchased the property behind Pizza Ranch in partnership with the City of Ft. Pierre. After what? 8 years, in which our cities couldn't come up with $10 million between them to build a multiuse facility, we gave our interest in the property to the City of Ft. Pierre for free. Our cities lost millions in revenue not completing that project. But now we have 9 million for a aquatic center? HOW? Who's MONEY? Let's get real people and get our priorities straight. "

Concerned wrote on Jun 4, 2009 1:32 PM:

" The land area known a Steamboat park could be used for a better purpose then an aquatic center. I read the comments, build it and they will come. I agree. Build a multi use facility like an area and convention center and you will draw 20 times more people to Pierre each year then what a aquatic center will. One state basketball tournement will produce 10 times more money in one weekend then an entire years income from this proposed aquatic center. Remember an aquatic center is a seasonal (5) month per year business. "

Concerned wrote on Jun 4, 2009 1:19 PM:

" I just can't believe the people of Pierre, SD. I think a few of our city commissioner need to resign. Last year we had a budget deficeit of a million dollars and now they want to spent over 9 million of the taxpayers money on an outdoor aquatic center??? Doesn't everyone remember the pool at the YMCA. It was another one of our city commissions big ideas. They spent millions of our tax payers money to build it and now a few years later it is costing 50 times more per month to maintain then what it makes in income. "

Concerned wrote on Jun 4, 2009 11:34 AM:

" But how much admission charge? What about all the low-income families who are barely getting by--their children won't get to enjoy it. Let's build something in moderation that everyone can enjoy. It is ridiculous that this will "bring people to Pierre". Get real. Pierre is known to not welcome visitors and guest with open arms--they have their clique that they want to run the city and that WILL NOT change. Peoiple in Gettysburg drive the extra miles to shop in Aberdeen because of Pierre's attitude. "

Excited wrote on Jun 4, 2009 10:44 AM:

" A Win-Win situation. Think of all the tourists at Deadwood and Mt. Rushmore.Why not drive a few miles off the interstate for a Pierre vacation? "

Resident wrote on Jun 4, 2009 10:14 AM:

" We need a nice aquatic facilitiy.. For all ages..... I was at the meeting last night and the overwhelmingly majority of the people are in favor of a nice facillity like this. If you dont like the idea you should of attended the meetings. If you have concerns a night like last night was the night to do it. This can bring a lot of people to our community and can pay for itself. My kids will definately use it. Lets stay positive... "

Personally wrote on Jun 4, 2009 9:59 AM:

" I can't believe this is still being considered. Waste of money with one being at the Y and over in Ft. Pierre. "

Broke wrote on Jun 4, 2009 9:51 AM:

" I can barely pay the ever-rising electric bill...sure let's add a pool! Unbelieveable! "

TT wrote on Jun 4, 2009 8:31 AM:

" This is an AWESOME proposal ! Our kids need more to do in this community out side of 'athletics'. I am all for it. True and correct...'Build it, and they will come!' "

taxpayer wrote on Jun 4, 2009 8:25 AM:

" How can the city justify such an expense during these tough economic times?!! We have seen property taxes and utility rates increase every year and I am getting tired of it. If a water park is such a great idea it should pay for itself! Don't increase my property taxes and utility rates to pay for it. We have an aquatic park we just couldn't live without that wasn't built that long ago. As far as I can tell it doesn't pay for itself! "

old resident wrote on Jun 4, 2009 7:49 AM:

" Remembering just a couple years back, Pierre was worried about how to support the YMCA pool....almost closed it......NOW they want something bigger and better....

AM I missing something...We have more money now than before???????

someone must have their eyes closed.. "

51st citizen wrote on Jun 4, 2009 6:49 AM:

" Are you kidding me. A pool in Steamboat Park sounds like 49 parents with kids swimming in the River. How many lifeguards go on the payroll with this plan? Let's Race--How about from the causeway to the Legion and back? Maybe we should move the Legion? OK instead, lets jumpin on the other side into 55 degree water. Heck, let's just go jump off the bridge. Is it a 2 stroke penalty if your frisbee lands in the pool; since that course is new? KEY WORDS--Elected officials. Nobodys looking, why not 9.2 million- curb and gutter? "

Interested wrote on Jun 4, 2009 6:41 AM:

" I think the idea of bettering the community is wonderful...why not start with the area near the legion? that is a perfect location of a boardwalk / beach which would take full advantage of pierre's #1 resource - the river? Other questions I have is what will they do with the old pool areas? why not build on top of it rather than spend extra money to turn it back into a green area? "

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