Council Mulls $1.2M for Recreation Improvements

Greensburg Council next month will decide whether to borrow $1.2 million to improve its recreation facilities, including a major overhaul of Veterans' Memorial Pool at Lynch Field.

As part of the same deal, the city could refinance its existing debt, saving an estimated $120,000 and bringing the total to $8.5 million.

Few substantial improvements have been made at the 56-year-old swimming pool since it underwent a $1 million renovation in 1993. The pumps, boiler, fittings and filters needed to keep it running have held up well for the past 24 years but won't be viable much longer, said Trudy Ivory of the city recreation department.

"Some are in pretty good shape, and some will definitely need to be replaced," she said. "It's had a pretty good life expectancy."

Ivory wants to renovate the bathhouse and concrete deck, and add fountains and other "interactive water features" for children.

If council votes to approve borrowing the money, work will begin as soon as the pool closes in August, she said.

The Greensburg YMCA operates the pool, but its contract expires at the end of the year. That contract, in place since 2014, probably will not be renewed, Ivory said.

The city will again operate the pool, she said.

"The council and the mayor have agreed that the pool is a very worthwhile community attraction, and we have to make sure it goes on for several more years," Ivory said.

Any borrowed money left after the pool renovation likely would be invested in the city-owned Mt. Odin Golf Course, city Administrator Sue Trout said.

"We are leaning toward renovating the concession and food area and the pro shop, and possibly installing outdoor seating," Trout said.

Greensburg expects to pay off existing debt by 2032, regardless of whether the new $1.2 million bond is approved, Trout said.

Council borrowed $3 million last year to pay for facilities improvements, including repairs to the Robert A. Bell Parking Garage costing almost $700,000.

Jacob Tierney is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-836-6646 or [email protected]

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