Cravens Pool is in need of significant repairs, according to City of Owensboro Parks Director Amanda Rogers.
Rogers said a liner was added in 2016, but they have spent a “significant amount of money” to keep Cravens operational since and it still has garnered a list of required repairs.
Right now the pool sits on land owned by Owensboro Public Schools, though the pool itself is owned and operated by the city. The pool needs a new surge tank, modulating valve and positive shut off valve, among other things.
“Now we’re talking about repairs that are significant, that we cannot any longer continue to make just a patchwork,” Rogers said during a City Commission work session Tuesday. “We’re at the point where we’re going to have to meet compliance and code.”
Rogers said an estimated total to get Cravens back in compliance will be $383,000.
Rogers said it’s important for the Parks Department and City Commissioners to look into the future of the aquatics plan for the city — and deciding if they should continue the use of both Combest and Cravens or move to a family-based aquatics facility. Rogers said that to build a facility it would cost “no less than $5 million” if they were to try to build a pool the size of Combest along with other amenities.
All decisions would also have to be co-approved by OPS.
In the meantime, Rogers said she will be gathering public input and then try to provide commissioners with a recommendation.
Rogers was approached with raising the admission price from $3 to about $8 to help pay for the repairs; however, she believes the pools have reached a magic number that doesn’t keep customers away.
Rogers said that the Combest Pool has been renovated and has been operating well since.
In other business, Assistant City Manager Lelan Hancock presented the idea of wayfinding signs throughout the city. The signs would act as attraction markers pointing drivers and pedestrians to nearby destinations.
The plan would call for 36 signs and an additional 15 parking signs downtown, as well as fixed signs that will be interactive and showcase the full town. Hancock said the signs will also be accessible.
Hancock said the overall cost would be $150,000-175,000 and can be installed in roughly two to three months once approval is received.
Abby Shelton, Community Development Director, presented the potential names for the Northwest area of town — from Walnut Street to Ewing Road and the north side of Fifth Street to the municipal limits.
Shelton said a contest was held recently to rename the neighborhood and received 34 responses, and the staff recommends the following names: Distillery Quarter, Riverview Run, Dublin Village, and Riverview. Once a name is decided, they will put efforts toward signage.
City Manager Nate Pagan announced new personnel appointments which include the following:
- Janice L. Leslie as Bus Driver with the Public Works Transit Department, effective Aug. 16
- Kelsey E. Ray as Communications/Marketing Manager with the Administration Department, effective Aug. 16
- Steven E. Schroeder as Refuse Truck Driver with the Public Works Sanitation Department, effective Aug. 16
- Mark A. Pearre is promoted to Crew Leader with the Public Works Street Department, effective Aug. 15
- Timothy W. Young is promoted to Crew Leader with the Public Works Stormwater Department, effective Aug. 15
- Bradley S. Leonard as Fire Lieutenant with the Fire Department, effective Aug. 2
- Edward M. Smith as Fire Captain with the Fire Department, effective Aug. 2
- Clayton R. Tuma as Fire Lieutenant with the Fire Department, effective Aug. 2
- David K. Veach as Fire Captain with the Fire Department, effective Aug. 2
- Chelsey J. Stogner as Secretary with the Police Department, effective Aug. 2
