Newell’s pool demolition and waterpark planning took a step forward this week, as city leaders and committee members outlined where the project stands and what comes next.
The update came during Monday night’s city council meeting, where officials confirmed the old pool site is nearly ready for removal and the waterpark committee is asking the city to authorize the first phase of engineering work.
Council members said they’re still waiting on contractor Duane Magnussen of Magnussen Bros Inc. of Newell to begin demolition, but the site itself is prepared. Water Department Assistant Superintendent Pat Cross told the council the utilities have already been disconnected.
Committee members also confirmed the bathhouse is now cleared out, aside from water samples stored temporarily. With the building empty, the city says demolition can begin as soon as Magnussen arrives.
The waterpark committee then shifted to design progress. Members Mike and Patti Johnson said they met Aug. 12 with the liner installer and GEC of Portage, Wis., the engineering firm that would design the project.
Mike Johnson said GEC sent a detailed proposal outlining three stages of work. The first stage is a $3,000 preliminary design package that would give the city basic concept drawings to choose from. If the city moves forward, the second stage would cost between $18,000 and $25,000 and include full engineering drawings for bidding. A third stage would cover bidding and construction oversight on a time‑and‑materials basis.
Johnson said the engineering work is needed to determine whether the existing pump house can be removed or relocated. Relocating it would open up the west side of the property and allow for a wider beach area, separate inflatable zones for younger and older kids, and a roped swim lane for lessons.
Johnson also shared updated cost information from Blanchardville, Wis. — the model community Newell has been studying. Their total project cost last year was about $300,000, with another $150,000 this year, putting the full build at roughly $450,000.
The waterpark committee currently has about $304,000 raised. Johnson said the next step is securing engineering work so the city can begin permitting, finalize designs and prepare for bidding. Patti Johnson noted strong community support at recent outreach events, including back‑to‑school night.
Mike Johnson asked the council to approve the $3,000 needed to begin the initial design phase.
Council members voted unanimously to authorize the funding.
