By HOI ABC
BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council is willing to borrow money to build a new swimming pool and make other improvements at O’Neil Park on the city’s west side.
The council voted 8-1 favoring what Mayor Tari Renner said is the city’s biggest investment since the decision to build an arena in Downtown Bloomington. This investment, said Renner, is not so controversial.
Construction of a pool, skate park, and other upgrades is expected to cost $11.8 million dollars, which is above earlier estimates of $10.3 million, although city staffers say they’ll look for ways to cut costs.
Earlier this month, City Manager Tim Gleason pledged the public would see little or no impact in taxes to pay for the project, and Renner noted the city is in much better financial shape to take on the extra debt compared to other communities.
The only no vote came from Alderwoman Donna Boelen, who has questions about maintenance and operational costs, although she too wants a pool built at O’Neil. Boelen also doesn’t see much economic benefit to the city because the pool would be used mainly by people in the neighborhood.
“All along, I’ve suggested the footprint to be a little big smaller, and I’m not a fan of extra asphalt in a green space, and I really don’t like the idea that the basketball court’s not going to be replaced until there’s additional funding available,” Boelen said.
Alderman Jamie Mathy believes people from smaller communities nearby will travel to Bloomington to use the pool.
Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus believes the area will see economic benefits.
“You’ll have families who go and visit the pool. Those are also families that will stop at gas stations in the area and buy gas. Those are also families that will stop at restaurants in the area and buy food,” said Tyus.
O’Neil Park is in Ward 7, represented by Alderwoman Mollie Ward, who’s running to retain the seat in the April 6 election.
Ward sees the project providing an economic boost to area businesses, and boosting property values.
“The project itself has an impact in terms of jobs, and that’s sorely needed on the west side,” said Ward.
O’Neil’s new pool and skate park are expected to be completed by Memorial Day of 2022.
