Lindon residents support a pool

LINDON — The possibility of a pool in Lindon is making a big splash with residents.

At a packed meeting last Tuesday night, folks from Lindon heard results of a citywide survey that asked residents to rank preferences for features in a planned recreation center and outdoor pool.

"We got some very good information about what your desires are for recreation ... in your community," said Brent Tippets, with VCBO Architecture, the firm hired to study and design the project.

The survey, which was mailed in late January to the nearly 2,200 homes in Lindon, posed general questions about household size, ages of family members and household income, as well as more detailed questions about what residents would like to see in a community recreation center.

Tippets said he was impressed with the 22 percent return rate — 481 surveys.

Of those returned, 148 people indicated they had six or more people in their house — with the highest number of people in the category of 10 to 14 years old.

"From this you can see some definite patterns and a strong desire for having family (oriented) aquatic and recreation amenities," Tippets said.

The feature at the top of the list was a place for swimming lessons and family-oriented swimming. A walking or jogging track came in next and a gymnasium and cardio area with fitness equipment also was a popular choice.

Some 312 of the 481 respondents said they thought the city should place a high priority on this project and nearly 334 people said they would be willing to financially support the project with a public bond.

After the short presentation, community members asked questions, ranging from the cost difference between an indoor and outdoor pool, if an outdoor pool with a bubble would be used, as well as where the facility would be located and when it could be started.

"The cost of doing an indoor aquatic facility is by far the most expensive type of development you could do," Tippets said. A bubble costs about $350,000 and usually has to be replaced every four to five years.

As far as a location or potential designs, it's still early in the process, Tippets said. However, there is talk about building on land near the City Center at 100 N. State in Lindon.

Now, after gathering the community opinion, VCBO will come back with building models and price tags.

But regardless of cost, the interest from residents was evident, Mayor Jeff Acerson said.

"The council feels it's appropriate to move ahead and facilitate something," Acerson said.

If everything goes as planned, the city would like to start construction sometime this year, said Lindon City Administrator Ott Dameron.

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