Pool progress continues to flow
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Brown said although she has appeared before the group before to report on various aspects of the two projects, this time the projects have names and meaning – and most importantly, are under way.
Excavation work on the city pool, which is being called The Gilley Pool, began in late June. Brown said officials hope to open the new pool on Memorial Day weekend 2003.
She listed some of the main features of the new pool: a beach-style entry area, three slides, three diving boards, lap lanes, competitive swimming, pavilions, a new bathhouse and a new entry area.
“I believe this pool will build good will and friendships,” Brown said, noting plans are to accommodate the handicapped, the young and the old. “It is designed to benefit everyone who comes.”
Although bids came in high and some items were removed to accommodate the $2 million capital outlay note approved by city officials, she said a bank account used for maintenance at the Jungle Jym, as well as a private donation, will make the Jungle Jym restrooms a reality.
Additionally, the new outdoor pool has been designed with the appropriate plumbing, electrical and spatial placements in mind relative to an indoor pool, if one is approved in the future.
As far as the Barren Fork Greenway, it will be ready to be bid after months of environmental assessments were completed and as officials wait for more paperwork. The project is being accomplished through $439,100 in federal grants administered by the state as well as a $109,000 match from the city.
Brown hoped the trail would be under construction by late summer. She said the trail, a 12-foot-wide path that stretches from Riverfront Park to near Pepper Branch Park, would be a positive step for the community.
Additionally, funding is in place to provide for sidewalk repairs and construction on streets near the trail, one of which stretches to McMinnville Housing Authority down Old Morrison Road.
“This is a big deal in Warren County and it’s going to be a big deal for the city of McMinnville. I think it’s going to make a major impact on the Main Street program,” she said, noting pedestrian travel to Main Street will be more accessible from the trail.
Features of the trail include overlooks, boardwalks and a fishing pier. She noted other phases of the trail will require community support.
“Hopefully, this is just the beginning of phase one. Hopefully, we’ll see phases two, three and four within the next 10 to 15 years,” Brown added.