New Location Considered Could be Near Proposed Sports Facility
Editor’s Note: The following story was written prior to the Monday evening City Council meeting with cooperation from city officials. A full story will be posted on communitynewsmarket. com and published in Friday’s Community News Brief.
At the Macomb City Council meeting Monday, aldermen will discuss the fate and the future of Macomb's 85-year-old Glenwood Pool after two evaluations revealed significant structural deficiencies. Structural engineers from TWM, Inc. and Klinger and Associates inspected the pool Feb. 12. Based on their recommendations, and due to the numerous defects affecting the pool's integrity, Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann recommended to the council that the pool is not opened for the 2026 season. The council will continue its discussions for the long-term options, which includes renovations of the current pool or constructing a new facility. The complete Macomb City Council story, including action taken, will be in Friday's edition of the Community News Brief.
Mayor Mike Inman told The Community News Brief prior to Monday's night’s council meeting that at a recent park and pool subcommittee meeting, committee members, which include aldermen John Vigezzi and Ashley Katz, discussed the possibility of locating a new city-run swimming pool/water feature adjacent to, or near, the city's economic development project, which is anchored by the sports complex.
'If a new pool is constructed in that business development district, it will be an outdoor facility; it will not be an indoor pool that is part of the complex,' Inman noted. 'A public pool is an essential part of our community and adds to our quality of life. Sports Facilities Company agreed that a pool near the complex is a good fit. Another plus is that it will allow us to fund a new pool with business development tax dollars, STAR bonds, should we receive, and opens up a new level of funding options. And there will be the infrastructure already within that district to support a new pool.”
Inman also explained if a new swimming pool is built close enough to the sports facility, the city could conserve costs by using the complex's indoor locker rooms and concession stand, and city buses will have a pool route, and there will be sidewalk access. If the Sports Complex doesn't come to fruition, the city could still locate a new pool anywhere within the business development district.
As outlined in the City Council agenda and meeting packet, TWM identified significant deterioration in multiple components of the elevated pool deck. Temporary shoring could cost in excess of $315,000; full repairs would cost significantly more and require the pool house into ADA compliance, which would add to project costs. According to their report, TWM's professional option is that the cumulative deficiencies represent a significant rehabilitation effort. In addition, Klinger and Associates noted the pool building is in poor condition and recommended not occupying the building until repairs/replacements have been completed. Klinger noted that immediate repairs are necessary to keep the building structurally sound.
'The reports on the structural defects weren't a surprise; it was inevitable for an 80-year-old-plus pool,' Inman said. 'The large price tag for just a temporary fix was a surprise.'
Vigezzi added prior to Monday’s meeting that Macomb has struggled in the last number of years with its aging pool, and while the pool is a great program for the community, safety for citizens is the council’s first concern.
“Although I am disappointed that the pool cannot and should not be opened this season, I am very excited for the opportunity to potentially build a new pool in conjunction with the proposed Sports Complex. I believe the addition of an outdoor swimming complex will be a great addition to a potential Indoor Sports complex,” Vigezzi said. “I have heard from many constituents ‘Why do we need a Sports Complex?.’ Once I explain the why, where and how the complex will be built, I have community members change their opinions and support the complex. With the addition of a pool, I believe this is a ‘win-win’ for our community and the surrounding region. The pool is a quality of life for our citizens. Our citizens have asked for a new facility for many years. We now have an opportunity to provide what they have asked.”
The council also discussed the options available to continue the summer swim lesson programs this year. The mayor said that Megan Pittman, who serves as the pool manager, is reaching out to community partners for alternative locations for swimming lessons and other activities this summer until there is a firm decision in place for the future of Glenwood Pool or a new facility altogether.
In other business, the council will consider a resolution to authorize the execution of a purchase agreement with Jackson, LLC for 30-acres of ground at East Jackson Street and Bower Road for $2 million from Jackson, LLC of Peoria. The agreement allows the city an extended period of due diligence up to Aug. 31, 2027. There will be no cost to the city if the complex does not proceed.
Inman told The Community News Brief last week that there is no legal consideration (no money required to be paid up front). If the complex moves forward, the City of Macomb will pay Jackson LLC the $2 million purchase price, which is part of the overall costs. If the city does not proceed with its economic development project, which is anchored by the Sports Complex, the City of Macomb is not required to purchase the property.
