This marks the second summer the city has not had a public pool for residents to take a plunge. They are currently asking people to take a short 10-question survey on what they would like to see in a new aquatic feature. It’s all part of a feasibility study to see if a new pool is needed and how to accomplish that goal.

The public will soon be asked for their input in a new city pool. After the decision to close the Schoonover Pool last year, the city has been looking into their options on how to move forward. 

Council received a letter of support from local businesses for the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area(DORA) downtown and has received a request from Mayor David Berger to create legislation on the issue. Council also passed an ordinance on its first reading to enter into contract with Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. to prepare an aquatic feasibility study for the city, to decide if a new aquatic center is the way to move forward, since the Schoonover Pool has been closed, and estimated repairs and upgrades would cost more than a million dollars.

Howard Elstro, the city's public works director, pointed to a large amount of damage on the property, sharing images of damaged concrete, as well as mechanical issues throughout the location. During the meeting, members of the public works committee discussed options to preserve the property, which then led to a large discussion of replacing the property altogether.

The City of Lima engineering and recreation departments inspected the pool back in September and found several issues with the facility. In a letter to Lima City Council, Public works director Howard Elstro highlighted some of those issues, including damage to the pool floor, excessive leaking, and outdated collection and filter systems.

Local pools will be a popular destination this weekend. With temperatures reaching high numbers, people will be looking for any way to cool off. While swimming is a great way to remain cool, it's very important that you take the time to make sure your body is properly hydrated and rested. Staff at Schoonover Pool will be prepared for large crowds of people this weekend.

Friday marked the first official day of the summer season, and the kids in the City of Lima's Summer Playground Program took full advantage of the nice weather. The kids from the Robb and Faurot Park programs were at Schoonover Park enjoying the community pool. After a couple of rainy days, it was a good opportunity for the kids to soak up the sun and enjoy one of the perks of the parks.

With the mercury rising for this weekend, conditions look good for the opening of Lima's Schoonover Pool.