Article published Feb 11, 2008
Purchasing pool great idea for city
A Pickerington plan to purchase a privately owned outdoor aquatic facility has turned out to be an example of government at its best.
On Tuesday, Pickerington City Council approved the purchase of The Swim Club, located one block east of state Route 256 on Stone Creek Drive Northwest.
The 3.9-acre property included an 8,650-square foot heated pool, a wading pool, bath house, concession stand and a paved parking lot.
Not only did the city buy it at less than the appraised value, they also found a way to pay for it without dipping further into taxpayers' pockets.
The facility was estimated to be worth $924,000, and the city was able to purchase it for $655,000.
The city is going to use parks and recreation impact fees to finance the purchase. It is money already being assessed on new residential development and can only be used on the development of parks and recreation facility.
City manager Tim Hansley said the sale of seasonal passes and concessions would cover operating expenses.
Surveys taken in 2006 indicated the residents of Pickerington wanted an outdoor pool and city leaders have been able to answer with a pool that will cost the taxpayers no additional money.
To build a new facility of a similar nature would have cost an estimated $1.8 million.
Hansley's characterization that The Swim Club is essentially a park with a swimming pool in it sounds like an appealing place to spend time.
All reports say the facility is in good condition and the city should be able to open it with little preparation.
City leaders looked at a desire by residents, found a solution that did not cost taxpayers additional money, and were able to carry through with the affirmative vote in city council to purchase the property on Tuesday.
Future generations are going to have a lot of fun out at the new park and swimming pool.
It's nice when government responds to the people, finds creative solutions and saves taxpayers some money.
Purchasing pool great idea for city
A Pickerington plan to purchase a privately owned outdoor aquatic facility has turned out to be an example of government at its best.
On Tuesday, Pickerington City Council approved the purchase of The Swim Club, located one block east of state Route 256 on Stone Creek Drive Northwest.
The 3.9-acre property included an 8,650-square foot heated pool, a wading pool, bath house, concession stand and a paved parking lot.
Not only did the city buy it at less than the appraised value, they also found a way to pay for it without dipping further into taxpayers' pockets.
The facility was estimated to be worth $924,000, and the city was able to purchase it for $655,000.
The city is going to use parks and recreation impact fees to finance the purchase. It is money already being assessed on new residential development and can only be used on the development of parks and recreation facility.
City manager Tim Hansley said the sale of seasonal passes and concessions would cover operating expenses.
Surveys taken in 2006 indicated the residents of Pickerington wanted an outdoor pool and city leaders have been able to answer with a pool that will cost the taxpayers no additional money.
To build a new facility of a similar nature would have cost an estimated $1.8 million.
Hansley's characterization that The Swim Club is essentially a park with a swimming pool in it sounds like an appealing place to spend time.
All reports say the facility is in good condition and the city should be able to open it with little preparation.
City leaders looked at a desire by residents, found a solution that did not cost taxpayers additional money, and were able to carry through with the affirmative vote in city council to purchase the property on Tuesday.
Future generations are going to have a lot of fun out at the new park and swimming pool.
It's nice when government responds to the people, finds creative solutions and saves taxpayers some money.
