FAQ

What happened to the old pool?

The ‘old’ pool, originally constructed in 1996, experienced structural failures in spring 2024, making it unsafe to operate.

Why did we choose the existing site?

We evaluated five alternative sites but found our current location offers the best combination of proximity to other parks, walkability, parking, and accessibility for families. After a geotechnical survey determined that the site is viable with very minimal remediation, we knew it was the best choice. 

Why reuse some of the existing structures?

Similar aquatic center projects in other communities have cost $10-$15 million when building entirely new facilities, including new bathhouses and pumphouse. By refurbishing Platteville’s existing bathhouse and reusing the pump house, the city is making a cost-conscious investment that saves millions while still delivering a high-quality aquatic center.

Is the old fish slide coming back?

The committee is making every effort to save and incorporate the beloved fish slide into the new aquatic center. This will depend on cost.

How does Platteville’s pool support the broader region?

Platteville’s aquatic center serves families from nearby communities that do not have public pools of their own. When other pools in the area closed, Platteville helped fill the gap. This project will continue that tradition of being a welcoming destination for neighboring communities.

Has the city hired someone to do the work?

Yes, the City has hired JEO as the Aquatic Engineering firm and EPIC Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). 

Why not just build a splash pad?

A splash pad alone doesn’t fully meet the community’s aquatic needs. While splash pads are great for younger children, a full pool offers more diverse activities, such as lap swimming, swimming lessons, water slides, and spaces for families to gather. Survey results indicated a preference for a broader range of features which a splash pad alone would not provide.