PORT ANGELES — The city will build a new pool — possibly at Erickson or Jesse Webster park — rather than renovate William Shore Memorial Pool next to the police station.
The City Council voted 6-1 earlier this week to pursue a pool, rather than refurbish the 43-year-old pool on Fifth Street that opened when John F. Kennedy was president.
Regardless of whether the project refurbishes or builds anew, the voters may ultimately decide through a bond measure, possibly in 2005.
The only negative vote toward building a new pool — discussed Monday afternoon during a City Council work session at City Hall — came from Councilwoman Lauren Erickson.
Erickson was a member of the pool advisory committee that had recommended submitting a November bond issue to update William Shore Memorial Pool.
That proposal has a $5.5 million price tag.
The council was told a new pool could cost an additional $500,000, but several council members agreed that the extra amount was not too costly for a plunge that could last for up to a half-century.
“I don’t think finding a central location for a pool used by 45,000 people is too much to ask,” said Councilman Larry Williams of the potential population area served by the new pool.
“Who would have thought in 1997 we’d have the growth we are having now? It’s pretty phenomenal,” said Williams.
