FORKS — Barb Gronseth says almost everyone who catches a glimpse of the West End’s new pool, now under construction, has an opinion of it.
“Some say it’s too big,” said Gronseth, chairwoman of the Quillayute Valley Park and Recreation District.
“Others say it’s too small.
“We think it’s just right.”
Nine months after the district signed a $2.2 million construction contract with Craig Heckman of Vision Builders to construct the long-awaited “Wet End” swimming pool, Gronseth says workers are on-track to finish the pool by May.
That means the pool, which she and others have been planning for more 12 years, will open to the public in June.
“We’re actually a little ahead of schedule,” said Gronseth.
“I’ve been able to smell that chlorine for the last few months.
“It just tickles my spine to think its opening is so close.”
Director sought
The district is currently seeking a full-time director for the pool. The director will be charged with creating a schedule and programs for the pool center.
To Jerry Schlie, an architect who is reporting to the recreation district on the swimming pool’s construction, the project is more than just a place for locals to take a dip and have some fun.
It’s a symbol of progress.
“There’s a lot of excitement picking up in the community,” said Schlie.
“It gives people a feeling of stability and pride to think they are building infrastructure rather than walking away from it.”
He said projects like these will help attract new businesses to the area.
The Quillayute Valley Aquatic Center will be built at the corner of Division Street and Maple Avenue near Forks City Hall, on land deeded by the U.S. Forest Service in 1979.
