Blackfoot pool committee proposes new bond

People in Blackfoot are hoping to save the swimming pool after a bond to revitalize it failed November.

The Save the Blackfoot Swimming Pool committee found that the biggest concerns are the failing structure, declining revenue and a decrease in users. They are proposing a new bond just over $1.85 million, but significantly below $3 million. Two previous swimming pool bonds were both $5 million, both failed.

They say it’s a no frills bond that’s just enough to fix up the pool without a lot of extra things. They do hope to include new amenities such as a water slide or a splash pad, but they first must fix things such as the pool liner. Council woman Jan Simpson had concerns about the bond due to the city’s current budget freeze; however, the committee believes these improvements will draw more people back to the pool and bring in revenue

“The pool offers services to across the board,” said former Blackfoot Mayor Mike Virtue, a member of the pool committee. “Age groups, socioeconomic and it touches many lives. It gives opportunities for jobs, it gives opportunity for life saving, it provides scouting service, it provides all those kinds of things for a community.”

The committee says other ways to bring more business to the pool is reaching out to school districts for swimming lessons and a Fin Fun Mermaid Academy that will take place this month.

The council is going to look at its budget before voting whether to put the bond on the ballot. They have tabled the decision until July 17th. If the bond vote is approved, it will be on the ballot next May.