Pool designs will only be for Memorial site at UW-L

Seven sites were studied, and the UW-L site ranked fourth.

More than a year of study and debate, La Crosse is back where it started on Memorial Pool.

Thursday, the city council gave final approval to only spending money on pool designs at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where the 80-year-old pool currently sits.

Final design for the pool is still needed but an it has been estimated to cost around $4 million.  

It was a choice that simply made the most sense, said city council member David Marshall, who represents the neighborhood around the pool.

“We’re going to be doing exactly what the neighborhood around the pool wants,” Marshall said. “Also, what I believe is the correct direction in terms of economic development and placement of the pool and how it affects property values around the pool.”

Another council member, Doug Happel, also agreed the pool is best right where it’s at.

“In the long run, I believe this is the best thing for the city,” Happel said. “We also have in this whole area, a group, which I think would help us, ultimately with some financing so perhaps, whatever this costs, will not have to fully come out of city funds.”

Council member Jackie Marcou, also in favor.

“Those who show up do make the decisions, and it’s been overwhelming support for that site,” Marcou said. “I know the money is there to look at other sites but that doesn’t mean we need to use the money.”

Those other sites included one at the city’s Forest Hills golf course, which had received top marks from the city’s pool consultant. 

Memorial’s site was fourth on that list of seven.

The council entertained pool options ranging from $1 million to $12 million on those sites.

A lot of the debate over the pool can be read here.