Jasper Makes Plans for Fun in the Sun

At Tuesday morning’s meeting of the Jaser Redevelopment Commission, all eyes were on the new Municipal Pool and Regional Wellness Center. 

In new business, professional services for the Regional Wellness Center with Baker Tilly was on the agenda but was tabled for the time being. The originally planned item was meant to address payments for the work that Baker Tilly has completed for the project to date and make plans for their consultation services going forward. It was noted that the bond funding that is financing the Center will come from multiple sources, including TIFF funds and the food and beverage tax. Different city government entities are responsible for those, and the Commission opted to allow more time to assess the best way to involve the appropriate governing bodies. 

A pool construction progress update was provided by Park Department Director Tom Moorman as the Commission got its first look at the most recent project photos. Removal of the shared tree line with St. Thomas Medical Center is complete, and some grading has been done. Norway Spruce and Arborvitae trees will replace the original trees, and rock landscaping will be added. Some pool features are already becoming visible, including the Lazy River and Ninja Cross. Two toddler slides are also being installed, while they will not empty into the main pool. The foundation for shade structures is going up, and the deck for the pool is about to be poured. 

Moorman said that although the weather hasn’t been cooperative this winter, crews diligently tented buildings so that they could continue masonry work. The brick in the main building still needs to be completed, and there is still a lot of interior work that is not finished. The completion is still estimated to be the first part of May. Moorman hopes to have a soft opening on Sunday, May 18. This would allow staff to be more prepared for the planned public opening on Memorial Day weekend.

For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook.


 - By Drew Hasselbring