The Worthington outdoor pool project faces significant budget challenges, with current cost estimates running approximately $2-2.5 million over the original $15.4 million budget approved by voters last fall. After extensive discussion and public input, City Council unanimously voted to move forward with Option A (see below), which preserves the original pool concept but will require additional city funding (without raising taxes for residents).
The Challenge
City Manager Robyn Stewart presented three options to address the budget shortfall during Monday's council meeting. The cost increases stem from several factors including updated stormwater detention requirements that weren't fully anticipated in the original estimates, inflation in construction costs, and the addition of an owner's representative to provide specialized expertise during the project.
The original $15.4 million estimate was based on design work from Brandstetter Carroll and SwimInc, with inflation factors applied to account for market changes. However, as the design team dove deeper into engineering requirements, particularly around stormwater management, it became clear that all detention for the pool site would need to be handled on-site rather than utilizing the broader property as originally hoped.
The Options Presented
Option A ($2-2.5 million additional): Preserves the three-pool concept with activity pool, central 50-meter pool, and adult pool. The splash pad would be included as an alternate bid item. This option maintains the design closest to what was presented to voters.
Option B ($1.3 million additional): Includes reductions such as removing lanes from the central and adult pools, curved elements from the activity pool, and the existing pavilion to allow for above-ground stormwater detention.
Option C (Original budget): Would require significant scope reductions including removal of a body of water equivalent to the size of the adult pool.
Stay connected to what's happening in Worthington, Ohio.
Community Input
Six residents spoke during the public comment period, with most supporting Option A despite the additional cost. Cesar Lopez, a local attorney who works with construction financing, emphasized the importance of ensuring contractors provide firm guaranteed maximum pricing rather than estimates. He offered to volunteer his expertise to help review contracts.
Libby Rosenstein stressed the importance of preserving the adult pool, stating it's the primary reason she uses the facility. "If you take away the adult pool, I will not be a member," she said, noting that many residents moved to Worthington specifically because of the pool amenities.
Several speakers acknowledged frustration with the cost increases but emphasized the long-term value of the investment. One resident noted that the pool will serve the community for 50-60 years, making the additional investment worthwhile.
Construction Management Approach
The project uses a "construction manager at risk" approach rather than traditional design-bid-build. Ruscilli, the selected construction manager, provides open-book accounting and will secure competitive bids from subcontractors for specific project components. This approach allows for more transparency while still maintaining competitive pricing through the subcontractor bidding process.
Current cost estimates are still at the budget level rather than final pricing. Once council provides direction, the design team will prepare full construction documents, and Ruscilli will conduct formal bidding to establish a guaranteed maximum price expected this fall.
Timeline and Next Steps
The project is targeted to break ground in October 2025, with completion planned for the 2027 pool season. The decision to forgo the 2026 season actually provides more schedule flexibility and better pricing opportunities, as some contractors had indicated they wouldn't bid on the project with the previously compressed timeline.
City Council's approval of Option A includes authorization to include the splash pad and other elements as alternate bid items. If actual bids come in lower than estimated, these alternates could be added back to the project. The city also plans to create opportunities for community fundraising for amenities like additional play features and shade structures that may be removed due to budget constraints.
Funding Approach
The additional funding will come from existing city resources without raising taxes for residents. The city will evaluate whether to use cash reserves or bond financing when the final budget and Capital Improvement Program are developed this fall. Council had already committed $4 million in cash to reduce the taxpayer burden on the project.
The pool project represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in Worthington's recent history and reflects the community's strong commitment to maintaining high-quality recreational amenities that have been a hallmark of the city for over 70 years.