Should North Tonawanda repair or replace Memorial Pool?

North Tonawanda is exploring the idea of creating an Outdoor Family Aquatic Center to replace its current Memorial Pool on Payne Avenue.

The Memorial Bintz Pool was constructed in 1947 and was dedicated to the veterans of World War II.

While the pool has had some upgrades through the years, it now needs approximately $2.5 million in repairs.

Instead of spending money on repairs, North Tonawanda is looking into the idea of building an outdoor aquatic center that will include a lazy river, water slides, a zero-entry activity pool for small children and a concession area.

It is estimated that the aquatic center would cost around $6.5 million to create.

An online public survey conducted for North Tonawanda found the majority of people favored the idea of building a new pool facility.  42.89% of people wanted the new pool facility while 37.82% of people wanted to keep the old pool.  

The proposed Outdoor Family Aquatic Center would be based on similar designs from places like Ohio and Kentucky.  Some photos of those areas are attached to this story.

A preliminary presentation was made to the North Tonawanda Common Council which had a chance to review photos and financial details connected to a feasibility study.

You can view the feasibility study for yourself here: http://ntparksrec.com/forms/6058_feasibility_study_presentation.pdf

7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly has more in his report.

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