Parks and Recreation Commission to Further Discuss Idea of Year-Round Pool Operation

For those following the discussion on the concept of a year-round pool in Canton, the Parks and Recreation Commission is due to discuss the topic Monday evening. 

Recently Mythic Sports Group released a draft report on the feasibility of a year-round pool operation with a steel-supported tensile membrane structure.

In a presentation to the Board of Selectmen last month, John McIlhargy, Founder of Mythic Sports Group, made it clear that the report is still in draft stage and there will be tweaks, refinements, more complete data and some corrections.

The study looks at the pool, its potential draw, possible programming and numerous other factors.

It gives three main scenarios the last for comparison purposes. The option, with their initial estimated price tags are:

• A. Cover the existing pool — $1.87 million
• B. Cover and divide the existing space into two smaller pools — $2.5 to $2.7 million
• C. Pool replacement and cover — $4.3 million.

Parks and Recreation Director Brian Wilson said there has been some confusion over option B. While that option would not be starting from scratch it would involve extensive work.

“It would essentially be two new pools,” he said

In the report, McIlhargy, dividing the pool into two spaces would allow one area to have shallow, warm water and the other deeply cool water, allowing much more flexibility in the type and frequency of programming. The report gives two slightly different possible configurations for this option. 

While the report is in draft form and potential revenues is one area being tweaked, McIlhargy told selectmen he believes the facility can be self sustaining once an initial investment is made. 

“I’m suggesting there’s enough program revenue in a properly designed pool to run a year-round facility,” McIlhargy said.

Following a petition by residents who wanted the study done, Canton electors voted 106 to 38 in February to spend up to $12,500 to have a consultant further investigate the idea. Mythic was hired for $10,500. 

While advocates say some components would compliment it, the study is separate from the $400,000 in pool improvements slated for the fall. Selectmen voted to take that from the town's undesignated fund balance (reserves), a plan that met Board of Finance and town meeting approval. 

While selectmen had a few questions last month, members of that board indicated they’d like the Parks and Recreation Commission to further discuss the idea.

Officials expect the report to be finalized soon and Monday at 7 p.m. the Parks and Rec. commission will discuss the report at its 7 p.m. in the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave., Wilson said.

Read that draft report at cantonrec.org.