Work Makes Waves at Lions Pool
May 6, 2010
ALGONAC -- After treading water for four years, work to replace the Lions Club pool bathhouse started Monday.
After demolition is complete, construction of a new handicap-accessible building will begin at the park.
Algonac officials expect the facility to be ready in June, in time for the first splashes of summer.
Plans to replace or renovate the building began taking shape four years ago but stalled in 2008 when the city couldn't come up with the money.
The funding is ready now, though. The project, costing $357,000, is being paid for with a $250,000 grant from the state Department of Natural Resources and Environment, $25,000 each from Algonac and Clay Township, $25,000 from the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and from donations.
"When you put all those entities together and everyone has their own particular piece they need to put this puzzle together, it takes a long time. It's not going to happen overnight," said Bill Gratopp, a member of the Algonac Lions Club who helped raise funds for the project.
Karl Tomion, Algonac city manager, said the old bathhouse was not compliant with state and federal accessibility laws. Fixing it would have cost more than the $25,000 the city had to spend.
The new bathhouse will be two stories, with the first story being an open pavilion for the Lions Park. A ramp will lead up to the showers and changing areas on the second floor.
Tomion said the pool has been an important part of the community for decades, offering a place of recreation as well as being a safe alternative to swimming in the St. Clair River.
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