What a difference a year can make.
Last October, the city of Chehalis and the Chehalis Foundation had about $200,000 to replace some pipes and keep the Chehalis Outdoor Community Swimming Pool operating.
This past weekend, the city learned it qualified for two $250,000 state grants, which combined with donations and fundraising, gives the city and foundation $2 million for the outdoor pool.
“The reality is that this project has changed so much and so fast,” Connie Bode, a Chehalis Foundation member, said. “We were able to expand this project now to where it is going to create an amazing outdoor aquatic center for our area.”
The outdoor pool was already scheduled for construction after Labor Day, but now with an additional $500,000 from the state grants, the scope of the project has expanded.
Bode said the city and foundation are planning to add a zero depth pool, or a beach-entry style pool, connected to the original swimming pool with multiple slides and water toys.
The outdoor pool will also have new fencing, concrete walkways and benches. The pool building will be demolished and rebuilt bigger.
The improvements will better serve young children and those with limited mobility, Bode said.
The new budget for all the work is $2.2 million, so the city and foundation are still looking to raise about $200,000 more for the project.
The Chehalis Foundation will host a “Dive and Jive” event at the pool on Saturday, Aug. 10, to kick off the construction of the pool and raise the additional funds.
The city of Chehalis hired Pfaff Architects in April to design and manage the pool renovation project, which is set to start after the pool closes for the season this September.
Bode said once designs for the zero depth pool are completed, the project will go out to bid next month. Construction on the pool, built in 1959, is expected to be completed by June 2014.
The city learned on Saturday that it received $250,000 from the state Wildlife and Recreation Coalition. The coalition was able to award the money after it received $65 million in funding from the state’s recently approved budget.
Additionally, the state legislature approved $250,000 within the State Capital Budget for the pool upgrades.
Chehalis Foundation President Tim Sayler said he can’t stop smiling since he heard the news.
“As a guy who learned how to swim in that pool, it’s nice to see it come back to life,” Sayler said. “It’s something our kids and grandkids will be enjoying well past our time.”
