In the most extensive discussion of the evening, Worthington City Council voted to appropriate funds for the new outdoor pool construction project, approving all six optional upgrades that bring the total project cost to just over $19 million.
The decision means residents will get a fully-featured pool facility including a splash pad, second water slide, additional bench seating, epoxy flooring in restrooms, a covered concession area, and additional tree screening along State Route 161.
Background: From Voter Approval to Construction
Voters approved a bond levy in November 2024 for $11.4 million to construct a new outdoor pool on the site of the existing facility adjacent to Thomas Worthington High School. The city had previously appropriated $4 million for the project, bringing the original budget to approximately $15.4 million.
During summer 2025 discussions, City Manager Robyn Stewart reminded council that staff had indicated construction costs would come in higher than that original budget. At that time, council indicated support for an additional $2 to $2.5 million investment.
The city's construction manager at risk, Ruscilli, completed bidding on all project components and prepared a guaranteed maximum price. The base project came in at $17.9 million—essentially at the revised budget—leaving no room for the optional upgrades within the established funding.
What's Included in the Base Project
The base project includes:
- Main pool building on the north side of the site
- Maintenance and mechanical building on the east side
- 50-meter pool for lap swimming and recreational activities, including diving boards
- Activity pool with gradual entry, designed for younger children
- Adult pool with lap lanes
- One water slide (open flume design)
- Reuse of the existing shelter
City Manager Stewart noted that Myrtha pools—known for their durability and 25-year warranty—came in with competitive pricing and are included in the base project. Other pool types typically carry only two-year warranties.
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The Six Upgrades
Council approved all six upgrades, adding $1.1 million to the project:
- Splash Pad - A zero-depth water play area designed for younger children and those with special needs
- Adult Pool Bench Seating - Additional circular bench seating in the adult pool area
- Second Water Slide - An enclosed flume slide to complement the open flume slide in the base project, creating side-by-side sliding experiences
- Epoxy Flooring in Restrooms - Upgraded flooring providing enhanced durability, stain resistance, and chemical resistance compared to sealed concrete
- Concessions Canopy - A roof extension over the outdoor seating area near the concessions counter
- Additional Tree Screening - Trees along State Route 161 as recommended by the city's Arbor Advisory Committee
Why Include These Now?
City Manager Stewart explained that while some upgrades could technically be added later, doing so would likely cost more due to remobilization and inflation. Council members emphasized the long-term value of investing fully now rather than retrofitting later.
"I would also agree that I think this is a pool for the next generation and generations to come," Council Member Amy Lloyd said. "I think we would be doing a disservice to ourselves and future generations by not including all these alternates to begin with."
Council Member Rebecca Hermann advocated strongly for the splash pad: "It's not only for younger kids, it's also for those with special needs. And so for me personally, I really would love to see that as a part of this."
Funding the Upgrades
The additional $1.1 million for the upgrades, plus the previously discussed amount above original bond proceeds, will be bundled into a future bond issuance alongside upcoming waterline projects.
According to Finance Director Scott Bartter, each $1 million in additional debt translates to approximately $75,000 per year in debt service payments over 20 years at current interest rates (estimated at 4.5%). For the $1.1 million in upgrades, the annual cost would be slightly more than that figure. This funding comes from the Capital Improvement Program fund.
The project also includes approximately $600,000 in owner's contingency for unforeseen conditions not contemplated in the construction documents.
The Vote
Council Member Lloyd moved to amend the ordinance to include all six upgrades. The amendment passed, as did the final ordinance.
Council Member David Robinson abstained from the final vote, stating: "I fully support public pools in Worthington. I don't want to be on record for supporting this process, therefore I abstain."
What This Means for Residents
With the construction appropriation approved, the project moves forward in two phases:
- GMP-1 ($2.7 million): Allows Ruscilli to begin demolition, order pools, and start permitting using already-appropriated funds
- GMP-2: Covers the balance of construction using bond proceeds and the additional funding
Important: There will be no outdoor pool operations during summer 2026 due to construction. The new outdoor pool is expected to open for the 2027 summer season.