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Ottawa pool construction forges ahead as council prepares to approve final $1.55 million bond

Mayor reports forms, reinforcements for the zero-depth entry pool are being installed

Kmetz Construction builds a new swimming pool at the Riordan Pool site on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 in Ottawa. The project is expected to cost 4.5 million.

An ordinance for a bond issue to obtain the final $1.55 million portion required for the Riordan Pool is on the agenda for the 7 p.m. Tuesday Ottawa City Council meeting at 301 W. Madison St. in Ottawa.

This comes in conjunction with the continued progress on the project, which, so far, costs $6.725 million. The city of Ottawa still can issue bonds for a total $7.9 million if costs rise, as was decided in a July City Council meeting. Vissering Construction was awarded a $6.7 million bid in September.

Mayor Dan Aussem posted on his Facebook page Friday the forms and reinforcements for the zero-depth entry pool are being installed and workers are constructing the family changing rooms.

Amenities at the new Riordan Pool will include a 5,700 square foot bather preparation facility with offices, locker rooms, private family changing rooms and public washrooms with showers along with a 9,500 square foot pool.

The facility includes a zero-depth entry, a six-lane 75-foot competition lap pool and a diving area with three diving stands. Also included is a covered shelter with picnic tables, vending machines and tables with umbrellas.

The original pool, which opened in 1966, is being demolished. It would have needed more than $500,000 in repairs to open in time for 2022 and the council decided in January 2022 it made more sense to spend that money on a new pool rather than pay for repairs every year.

The new pool is expected to open Memorial Day weekend.

Michael Urbanec

Michael Urbanec

Michael Urbanec covers Grundy County and the City of Morris, Coal City, Minooka, and more for the Morris Herald-News