Frequently Asked Questions about the McKellar Park Pond Project
Frequently Asked Questions about the McKellar Park Pond Project
We are working on updates to this site. Stay tuned! Reach out to us at FriendsOfMcKellarParkInc@gmail.com with any questions.
In late 2019, the pool was deemed unsafe, inoperable, and unfixable by the Wisconsin Department of Safety due to issues related to a major leak in the structure and its age. For several years leading up to this decision, the village had a very difficult time keeping the pool chemicals within the standard required to remain sanitary. By 2018, the leak was so bad that the water in the pool vessel had to be completely replaced every three days. Pieces of the sidewalls of the pool vessel were breaking and chipping, loose chunks of cement caused a hazard for the children in the shallow end of the pool, and the drainage system needed extensive work. Efforts to repair these problems were unsuccessful.
In addition to the above issues, the site of the existing 60-year-old pool posed a significant obstacle to possible repairs due to its location in the lower park where frequent flooding occurred. The majority of the pool was in a flood plain and the pump house and a portion of the deck were in a floodway.
Building a splash pad would not provide swimming lessons, EMS training, or a multitude of other things that a swimming facilty can offer. The limitations of a splash pad do not benefit the whole community. The community recreation survey that was conducted a few years ago explicitly stated that the majority of residents want a pool. [Refer to page 4 of Blanchardville's Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan to learn more about the survey results.] For reasons explained throughout this FAQ, we've had to transition from a pool to pond, but we strongly believe the pond will provide the same benefits as a pool and will also be able to be used in the winter for ice skating.
Since the old pool was decommissioned, we’ve been working hard to bring a new swimming space to the community. However, rising material costs pushed our target from $1.8 million to $2.4 million, so we explored creative solutions—and we’re excited to share that a swim pond is now in the works!
We’re collaborating with Wisconsin Lake and Pond and General Engineering Company and work begins May 27, 2025. The community’s enthusiasm is energizing us as we move forward!
This eco-friendly, cost-effective solution brings McKellar Park back to its beginnings, when the area featured a pond before becoming a cement pool. The new swim pond will be located in the same general area, honoring its history as a cherished community gathering place.
The swim pond will offer recreational fun, swimming lessons, water safety training for emergency personnel, and accessibility for all. In the winter, it could even serve as an ice-skating rink, offering fun year-round.
McKellar Park Pond will be an eco-friendly swimming area designed to bring fun and recreation to the community. It will feature inflatables for all ages and offer a clean, natural alternative to traditional chlorinated pools.
Yes. We are committed to safety and will have trained lifeguards on duty during operating hours. We are currently recruiting for these positions to ensure staff are fully trained before opening day. If you're interested in applying, please reach out and we’ll connect you with the Park Director.
Water clarity is an especially important component to a swim pond. In the Blanchardville Swim Pond our management strategy would maintain 6 to 8 feet of water clarity. Aesthetically, 6-8 feet gives exceptional value without compromising the ecological functionality.
The liner is secured by a termination trench that is above the water line. When construction is completed, the trench is backfilled with material, locking the liner into place.
The deepest part is 10 ft deep. With a gradual entrance, the shallow area is comparable to our old pool and well-suited for smaller visitors.
There is no ecological impact that would occur. The water in the pond is nonchlorinated. Products that are considered “pesticides” (herbicides and algicides) used by WLPR are EPA registered and approved for use in Wisconsin Water bodies. We have many procedures in place that limit/mitigate the risk to the surrounding environment such as product selection, application methods, and even weather conditions. Additionally, our products typically have very short life-cycles.
The pond is designed to be able to handle inflow of water from precipitation. The liner extends slightly beyond the normal water level (NWL) elevation to allow additional storage. There is also an overflow structure in place to ensure that the pond does not exceed its holding capacity. Any “excess” water will be discharged from the pond and follow the designated path.
It is important to remember that the swimming pond will be a functioning ecological system. However, the conditions are managed to be extremely clean-- an undesirable setting for many species. There will likely still be some pests. The best method to control is biological; we like to use Largemouth Bass. A handful of stocked Largemouth bass are the most efficient and cost-effective method to control nuisance pests. Just a few stocked bass is plenty for control. As a cannibalistic species, they will also keep their own numbers in check once a food source is depleted.
These fish are not aggressive and tend to avoid people. Most swimmers won’t even notice them. They help quietly in the background by keeping the ecosystem balanced and reducing nuisance pests like mosquito larvae and certain insects. Think of them like nature’s custodians—working out of sight to keep the water clean and healthy.
The pond will be fenced, which helps block easy access from grassy areas—something geese prefer.
Landscaping will reduce open sightlines and make the area less attractive to geese.
Community members will be asked not to feed wildlife, which helps discourage return visits.
Additional deterrents may be used as needed.