Crafton residents will have a new area to splash around in next year.
The borough's community pool will get its first major upgrade in more than 20 years — a splash pool.
Officials approved a conceptual design June 13 to add a splash pool where a baby pool existed decades ago. Currently, the area is a grass field.
“Engineers are currently working on plans and specs,” said borough manager Ann Scott.
About 600 family passes are sold annually for the pool.
Scott said the tentative schedule is to advertise for bids July 8. Bids would be opened Aug. 19 and awarded the following week.
The goal is to break ground on Sept. 14 and work through October before completing the work in the spring, weather permitting.
The township is estimating the renovation to cost about $500,000. It received a state grant of $250,000 that must be matched.
Officials budgeted $100,000 this year for the match and will cover the remaining $150,000 through fundraisers and in the 2016 budget.
Project manager Dennis Flynn of Gateway Engineers said no costs or timelines are final yet and changes are happening daily. He is tasked with laying out the pool's water features, utilities, general landscaping and more.
“This will be kind of a hybrid splash pool,” he said.
Although the expansion is geared toward young children, Scott said all ages can enjoy the area.
A conceptual plan shows a new seat wall with shade umbrellas. Other features Scott hinted at include water shooting from the ground, ladders and a crocodile-themed water toy in honor of the swim team.
“It's going to be an exciting and great year for the pool in 2016.” Scott said.
