New swimming pool, skate park seen as boost to Bloomington’s west side

Posted on January 22, 2021
O’Neil Pool is located at 1515 West Chestnut Street in Bloomington. (Photo City of Bloomington)

 

By HOI ABC

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington leaders asked for input Thursday night about upgrades to one of the city’s signature parks in hopes the multi-million dollar project will help revitalize the west side.

A replacement for the 45-year old O’Neil Park swimming pool has been on the city council’s wish list for years, but it’s been delayed because of budget constraints and other factors.

According to our news partner HOI ABC, the city plans to spend an estimated $10 million for a new pool and bathhouse, a splash pad, a skate park, and additional parking.

The price for pool passes in the years ahead are likely to rise, according to Jay Tetzloff, director of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts. However, Tetzloff said the city is committed to keeping the cost affordable for pool users through scholarships and other discounts.

The city received about 1,000 responses to an online survey, and asked for more feedback at a pair of virtual public forums on Thursday.

People would like to see a variety of other improvements at O’Neil, including water slides, a dog park, and walking paths, but those amenities aren’t in the budget and are years away from becoming reality.

The city is aiming for the new pool to open Memorial Day of 2022.

The old pool was demolished last year at a cost of almost $139,000.

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