Planning is moving forward on a proposal to enclose the Chadron city swimming pool as a replacement for the indoor Chadron State State pool…which is being demolished as part of the renovation and expansion of the Armstrong Building.

Chadron City Council members last night gave City Manager Wayne Anderson the ok to form a study committee with city staff, Chadron State College vice president of administration Dale Grant, and members of a committee that’s already been looking into the idea as part of the Dawes County Joint Planning effort.

Anderson says the panel will take about 6 weeks to come up with the basic framework of what an indoor pool would offer and what funding sources other than taxes would be available to fund enclosing the outdoor pool.

CSC’s Grant and indoor pool supporters had come to the  council this past spring with the shared pool idea…which would have the college help with the construction and take the lead role in operating the converted pool.

Local dentist Dr Terry Owen is part of the Joint Planning pool group…the Swimming Pool Enclosure Enhancement and Development Option committee or SPEEDO, a pun on the famed line of competition swimsuits.

He says planning has been moving forward quietly but steadily with SPEEDO members talking with other cities, school districts, and organizations that have indoor pools about their operations and the features of their pools.

Owen says some features…such as a zero-level entry, splash pad, and slides…would require changes to the Chadron pool in conjunction with enclosing it and add to the cost.

Wayne Anderson says the new study committee should be able to complete its work in 6 weeks because of the outstanding preparation already done by the SPEEDO group.

Terry Owen says the pool conversion idea looks very beneficial to the city and its residents…both in terms of cost and its long-term impact on the health and wellness of local resident, including Chadron State students…but will take a community-wide effort to pull off.