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BELLEFONTE -- The Centre County Commissioners approved a letter of support on behalf of the Nittany Valley Joint Recreation Authority for the DCED Greenways Trails Grant for renovations and improvements to the Kepler Pool.
If selected as a recipient, the $250,000 grant provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will be added to the already sizable fundraising pool set aside for reconstructing the facility.
Since 1971, Kepler Pool has provided recreational, institutional and therapeutic services for the greater Bellefonte community, however because of structural and mechanical issues, the pool has been out of commission for several years. Despite operating for over 50 years, the pool has never had any significant updates, only repairs.
"The condition of the pool today is not good at all," said Cindy Kunes, co-chair of the Nittany Valley Joint Recreation Authority (NVJRA). "But when you consider the possibilities it's going to be absolutely beautiful."
Renovations to the Kepler Pool complex are expected to cost $4.5 million.
Phase I of the project, which includes the main pool; systems such as pumps, filters, chemical control/holding tank, deck/safety equipment, concrete, plumbing, electrical, slide and climbing wall; and the pavilion, has an anticipated cost of $2.9 million.
Phase II is estimated to total $1.6 million and will include non-priority amenities, including a children's wading pool, splash pad and other play features.
The NVJRA has secured $1.2 million in funding from grant resources and community donations so far.
DCED representatives recently visited the pool site and will be attending a second onsite meeting June 11 at 5:30 p.m. to show the state of the facility and emphasize the positive implications reopening the pool has for the safety, education and economic growth of the community.
"We do know that pools are very important for a number of different reasons. Safety is probably the biggest one, but also economic development and just pure enjoyment and relaxation -- all the bonding and fun times that can happen," said Commissioner Mark Higgins.
According to the CDC, between 2020 and 2022, over 4,500 people died from drowning in the United States. The number of drowning fatalities has been steadily increasing across the county, rising by as much as 10 percent per year.
"Access to public pools for recreation and swimming lessons is critical for the safety of children and teens. Drowning is one of the most common causes of death for this age group, but having access to public pools and swimming instruction makes a dramatic difference for the safety of kids around water," said Commissioner Amber Concepcion.
"It's a great program. Every area should have a pool and every kid should know how to swim. Most importantly I think it's just such a hub for activities for particularly younger folks, whether you're in it for the sport or you're in it for the relaxation and the recreation. It's just fantastic and I'm happy to support it," said Commissioner Steven Dershem.
The approval of the letter of support passed unanimously.
In other business the board:
-- Proclaimed May 2024 as "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month" and May 19-25 as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Centre County.
-- Approved a grant application for the Indigent Defense Grant Program.
-- Approved several routine contracts.
-- Considered approval of a proposal with PENOCO to remove asbestos tile abatement at the Centre County Courthouse.
-- Considered approval of a contract to replace 96 security glass windows at the Centre County Correctional Facility.