How can I help?

Please fill out the contact us form on this website or call us. We need community involvement.

Where will this be?

We do not know. The schools, the college and many other locations have been suggested but none of these locations are committed by any organization.  The city master plan has a pool located at the college but factors such as access, land acquisition cost, existing facilities, logistics etc must be considered.

How will this be paid for and how much will it cost?

All funding options will be evaluated and considered - but the goal is to deliver an important community asset that will provide us all with decades of use and enjoyment. 

We are very early in the project so the final project cost is not yet determined. The final cost will depend on the location, programming requirements, design features, etc. We want to deliver a project that is in-line with community needs, support and demand.

It is important to consider all funding sources; donations, grants, user fees, memberships and public finance. 

When will this be built?

Petoskey has waited long enough for a pool -- but we do not have a schedule. We are early in the process and much depends on the survey results, public support and other factors. As realistic schedules develop - we will post them on this website.

Can this be done privately - without a millage?

One of our goals is to make this open to ALL residents - as a not-for-profit facility. A private facility would have to make a profit in far fewer years than we can finance the project as a public, not-for-profit facility. As a result, private memberships would be far too expensive for most residents and we would miss the opportunity to serve the entire community.

A key objective is to economically deliver a safe, clean and affordable facility. All financing avenues will be explored to make this a reality. Our recent survey focused on millages because of their public nature and the timeframes needed to understand public support for them. Millages may play a role in the project - but they'll not be the only component of the financial picture for the project. 

Throughout Michigan, communities are banding together to build public pool facilities because of the obvious community health and education benefits. A community pool is an asset that will deliver benefits for many years and makes a positive statement about our commitment to the future and well-being of all residents.

Can we raise the money needed - with gifts and fundraisers?

Private donations, on-going fundraisers and grants are all important parts of the capital campaign strategy. The more money we raise in this way - the less we'll need to finance. We are hoping to attract private donations to support all aspects of the project. We will certainly acknowledge the generosity and community leadership of key benefactors with appropriate recognition.

Why now? The Michigan economy is lousy.

As taxpayers and residents of Michigan- we too are sensitive to the state of the economy. However, we are also committed to delivering long-term benefits to our community and building resources that will continue to attract new people and business to our area. A facility such as this demonstrates a commitment to our future, our youth, our community, our health and our residents.

Every year - construction costs increase. Now is the time to plan, develop a vision and make this a reality for the future.

What are the costs to run a pool?

The actual total costs for a pool in Petoskey will depend on final design, programs, staff requirements etc. To minimize operating costs, we must design it well, build it correctly and employ the latest improvements in equipment and technology - including consideration of solar panels for heat and electricity, radiant heat and other energy saving features.

What Programs will be available?

While use of the facility will be open to all for little or no charge -- an important consideration as we develop the facility concepts is how special program revenue will offset the cost of overall operations.

The more capable the facility (pool, gym space, fitness, multi-purpose), the more program revenue we can deliver to offset operating costs of the entire facility. A more limited facility has more limited programming options and fewer revenue opportunities.

So - the final program mix depends on the facility features that the community chooses to support.

Who is involved? Are the City, Schools and Townships supportive of the idea?

A growing group of tax-paying residents have joined to advocate for a year-round community pool and recreation center. A key goal is to make this facility available to ALL residents. 

We have had informal discussions and presentations with the City of Petoskey, Bear Creek, Resort Township and leadership of the Petoskey Schools. We also have many letters of support from various groups in the community. 

The general consensus is very positive but the statistics of our recent survey are very important to illustrate the level of support in the community.

What happened to the pool project on M119?

The M119 project has joined with this new effort. For many reasons - such as location, scope and financing options - the M119 project did not get off the ground ... but the need for the project remains.

Is the YMCA involved?

The YMCA of Northern Michigan has been involved in this project and may serve as an operating partner for a facility such as this.  Of course, the YMCA operates many thousands of facilities around the world and would bring vast experience, modern programs and professionalism to our facility. The YMCA has countless success stories of federal, state and municipal partnerships.

Pools have been tried in Petoskey. Why is this different?

Previous efforts have not properly harnessed public support, were fully private, or have attempted locations that were not optimal. This effort is broad-based, we are seeking the best avenues to finance this and we are seeking public involvement very early.

We have built a team that can adapt and change as needed to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. We are focused on getting this done.

Who will own and operate this pool facility?

There are many options being considered but a front-runner right now is the creation of a public Recreation Authority. The Recreation Authority would have a board made up of resident volunteers to oversee operations. 

Just a pool? What else is in this project?

The survey results clearly indicated support for a pool -- and just as clearly indicated that existing resources should not be duplicated. So -- we are focused on getting a pool facility.   

The college has a gym, an indoor track and fitness facilities. Can a pool be added to that facility?

This option will certainly be considered as we move forward. While we do not want to duplicate public resources in our small community - we must also not be constrained if current resources do not meet the needs of the community. 

Can this be at the High School and Middle School campus?

Many people support this location due to logistics, buses and safety. This is an option to be considered but must be explored with the School Board.  The survey results will provide some guidance.

Don't the schools already have plumbing for pools?

To be determined.

What happened to the money from the sale of Petoskey State Park?

According to the City of Petoskey - any money realized from the sale of the State Park has been used in other public recreation projects. The money generated by the State Park sale was never exclusively designated for a pool in Petoskey.

We have alot of lakes! Why does Petoskey need a pool?

Our goal is to build a Year-Round facility open to all. The lakes are not safe for swimming much of the year.

Will Petoskey have a swim team?

A Petoskey swim team is a program that will benefit many residents and students. High School, Age Group and Masters swimming in Michigan is strong and a properly designed facility will support this activity - and bring teams, their families and other visitors to the area and into our downtown.

What happened to the money given to previous pool projects?

It is our understanding that donations for previous pool efforts were refunded.