Community fundraising effort attempts to boost plans for city pool

After years of aging infrastructure and growing concerns, the future of Guthrie’s Highland Park Municipal Pool may soon take shape, thanks to both city planning and a passionate group of local citizens.

The pool, once a staple of summer recreation for generations of Guthrie residents, was closed in May 2023 after city officials reported a water loss of over 40,000 gallons per day during a typical swim season. Structural assessments later revealed that nearly 1,100 square feet, or 19 percent, of the pool’s surface was compromised due to deteriorating concrete. Additionally, the plumbing system failed to pass pressure testing, and the facility was found to be lacking in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility.

During a May 20 city council workshop (video at the top of this article), consultants from GH2 Architects and Crossland Construction presented three design proposals for a new pool facility, all of which include full renovations to the bathhouse and equipment building to bring the site up to code.

The smallest option, referred to as Option A, proposes a 1,500-square-foot pool with a capacity of 102 bathers. It includes a zero-entry splash area, slides, and improved ADA access, with an estimated construction cost of $2.1 million.

Option B, the largest, would double the pool size to 3,000 square feet, increasing bather capacity to 200. This version requires a surge tank and other infrastructure upgrades, raising the estimated cost to $3.5 million.

A third alternative, Option C, offers a middle ground at 2,300 square feet and an estimated cost of $2.9 million, with a capacity of about 154 swimmers. This option avoids the surge tank requirement by staying below the 2,400-square-foot threshold.

When the city first released early renderings of the proposed pool, some residents voiced concern over its size and lack of depth. They feared the design would fall short of serving a broad range of age groups and swim activities, including swim lessons and recreational swimming for older children and teens. These concerns ultimately influenced the city and its design team to explore expanded pool sizes and deeper depths in revised options.

Funding for the project comes in part from the city’s voter-approved Capital Improvement Plan (CIP 2), which passed in April 2024 with nearly 80 percent approval. Of the projected $15 million generated by CIP 2 over 15 years, $2.5 million has been allocated for pool planning and design.

However, because the City of Guthrie is limited to issuing no more than $8 million in debt annually, many other projects — including a second fire station, water towers, and ADA infrastructure — are competing for those funds. This reality leaves little room for pool expansion without additional outside funding.

In response, a private group of residents has come together to launch a community-based fundraising campaign to supplement city funds and help expand the size and features of the new pool.

The group, working in partnership with Neighborhood Solutions, includes residents Jean Groom, Joe Chappell, Betty Berline, Carol Seid (chairwoman), Stephen Harrison, Abigail Ropp, Councilwoman Menecca Gibbs, and Mayor Adam Ropp.

Yard signs reading “Keep Guthrie Cool — Help Fund the Pool!” are now visible throughout the community. Each sign features a QR code linking directly to a donation page.

“Our public pool has long been a place where Guthrie families make memories, stay safe, and grow together,” said Mayor Ropp. “Now, thanks to the passion of community members raising funds to support its future, we have a chance to preserve that legacy for the next generation.”

The group’s goal is to support long-term maintenance, critical repairs, and possible enhancements to the design, including additional recreational features that might otherwise be cut due to budget constraints.

No final decision has yet been made on which pool option the city will pursue.

Construction is tentatively targeted to begin in time for a summer 2026 opening, pending final decisions on scope, funding, and design approvals.