Outdoor Pools Project: Council Continues Budget Discussion

On July 7, Worthington City Council discussed an important update on the outdoor pools project. As outlined in the staff memo prepared by our City Manager and presented during the meeting, the project’s current cost estimates have come in higher than the original budget approved by voters in the 2024 bond levy.

Rising construction costs, general inflation, and continued pressure on the Central Ohio building market have all contributed to the higher-than-expected price tag. The project team, consisting of city staff, architects and others, have considered thoughtful reductions to bring the project closer to budget without compromising the heart of the facility—but Council now must decide how much additional funding, if any, should be allocated to move the project forward.

Edited to clarify:  During the meeting and in the memo the suggestion was made to include the additional funding as part of another bond issuance the city is planning to do for the Park Overlook waterline replacement project. This would not require going back to the voters; that is not part of any option.  The question is whether the city can take on additional debt.

What’s on the Table?

The memo outlines three options for adjusting the project budget:

➡️Option A: The city would add $2 million to the project through a bond issuance. This keeps the core pool design intact while deferring certain features (like the splash pad or additional shade structures) for future installation or to be included in the project as an alternate.  

➡️Option B: The city would add $1.3 million, but reduce pool size and programming elements, including removing swim lanes and features from multiple pools.

➡️Option C: Provide no additional funding, which would require eliminating an entire body of water (e.g., the adult pool), significantly scaling back the project.

At the meeting, I expressed my support for Option A because I believe it is the most responsible way to protect the investment our community made when this bond levy was approved.

Option A:

• Keeps the core functionality of the pools intact, providing space for lap swimming, family recreation, and adult use.

• Reflects what residents saw in the original conceptual plans during the campaign.

• Follows current best practices in recreation planning by phasing in non-essential features, such as a splash pad, when additional funds are available.

• Provides long-term flexibility and equity in how the facility serves people of all ages and abilities.

Other Council members emphasized the importance of staying true to the spirit of what voters supported and not diminishing the pools themselves.

📆 What’s Next?

There will be one more public hearing on the pool project budget at our next City Council meeting:

🗓️ Monday, July 14

📍 Worthington City Council Chambers

🕖 7:00 PM

Watch the July 7 meeting to hear the full discussion: https://worthington.org/1885/Live-Recorded-Meetings

Review the staff memo with the budget details and options: https://www.worthington.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6362 (the last memo in the packet)

Submit comments or questions: https://worthington.org/FormCenter/Public-Meeting-Feedback-Submissions-19/City-Council-Agenda-Comments-108

Reach out to City Council members: https://www.worthington.org/Directory.aspx?DID=29

This is a long-term investment in our city’s recreation system—and I believe we can make thoughtful decisions that balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of our growing community.