The North Pool's future is up in the air because of costs associated with a new federal law.
The law requires that all pool drains meet a new safety standard. The North Pool could close as a result, said Park Board President Mike Lefor.
James Kramer, Dickinson parks and recreation director said it will take about $16,000 to replace pool drains at the West River Community Center and at least $50,000 to replace the North Pool drains to meet those standards.
"Right now, I'm keeping an open mind," Lefor said. "I want to have all the facts and figures and analyze it in front of us before we go forward and say 'this is the path that we're going to choose.'" He welcomes public input, he added.
The Dickinson Park Board discussed the matter at its monthly meeting Friday. Lefor said after the meeting, though they have an idea of the cost, "when you start digging into the pool to upgrade it, you don't necessarily know what you're going to find, so that cost could escalate from there."
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There is more time before West River must be upgraded because it is already open.
"Pools that are currently closed absolutely can not reopen until they complete the work and meet the requirements," Kramer said.
The North Pool usually opens in the first week of June. If they are unable to schedule drain replacement near Memorial Day, North Pool may open much later in the summer, if at all.
Lefor said he hopes the Park Board will come to a decision regarding the projects in March.
In other matters, the Park District has finalized a deal with Bob Byman, a retired Pro Golf Association player, to give lessons at Heart River Golf Course in April and May.
Jeremy Davis, the new pro shop supervisor and golf pro at the course, will teach lessons when Byman is not there.
Byman will give lessons April 23-26 and May 14-17 and reservations for lessons can be made starting April 1.
