| By Big Radio News Staff |
Janesville residents asked about the tax impact of a proposed, $5-million Palmer Pool replacement during a public feedback session on Tuesday.
Parkitecture Plus Planning architect Blake Theisen says the updated pool design targets people of all ages. Plans for the design include three designated lap lanes that can also be used for general recreation, with deeper parts of ramping to a zero-depth entry ledge on the opposite side of the pool.
One resident questioned how the potential $5 million cost for a new pool and clubhouse would affect local property taxes. The person said some residents want to know how costs could impact them before deciding if they’d back a large-scale project.
Janesville city officials said that’s a tough question to answer because the city hasn’t reviewed final costs or decided how to fund the project.
The city also hasn’t addressed potential costs of maintaining and staffing a new pool designed for all-ages use.
But a project timeline shows the city would aim to break ground on the new pool this fall and have it ready for swimming sometime before summer 2025.
The current pool at Palmer, a children’s wading pool, is 90 years old and hasn’t seen significant repairs in 15 years.
The new pool and its companion facilities would be set on a hillside in a different part of Palmer Park.
