City dips into road money for pool

GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) - The city of Greenwood plans to build a new multi-million dollar aquatic center.

To pay for it, the city will use money that normally goes toward road improvements and infrastructure.

The city's Redevelopment Commission approved a deal that sets aside $10 million for the new aquatic center.

“We found a way to do it without raising people’s personal taxes,” said council member Mike Campbell.

The money comes from business-generated tax revenue. 

Greenwood resident Greg Hollen questions the move. He doesn't think now is the time for the city to spend millions on a new pool.

“A pool is a nice amenity to have. We still have some roads and things we need to upkeep versus spending the money on a luxury item,” said Hollen.

Campbell disagrees. He says tax money is available to take care of the roads and the aquatic center. 

“We do feel having a high quality aquatic center here in the Greenwood area would help us attract businesses and economic development to Greenwood,” said Campbell.

The city's pool committee will now hire consultants to come up with some design plans for the new aquatic center. The city must also decide where to build the new center. One possibility is Freedom Park.

Greenwood's only municipal pool never opened for business this year. In April the Park Board voted to shut it down and demolish it. 

Located at Pool Park, the pool house was falling apart and repairs proved to be too costly.

A new $300,000 splash park will be built in the park.