Newton pool design lauded

Newton Pool days before it is reopened for public access. The pool is set to open on Tuesday, May 31. William Crow/Harvey County Now

By William Crow

Harvey County Now

NEWTON–The Newton pool’s design has made a big enough splash to be recognized by an aquatic magazine.

Aquatics International placed a spotlight on the Newton municipal pool for its bright color exterior and the city’s ability to wisely use its budget in the recent “2022 Dream Designs” issue.

The architectural design of the pool was worked on by Lamp Rynerson and was submitted to the magazine by project manager Kyle McCawley.

Director of Public Works Suzanne Loomis said the people in this city have been waiting a long time for this pool and it’s nice to see it win.

“The project turned out nice for the community,” she said. “We wanted the features of the pool to apply to as many different uses as possible.”

The pool’s versatility and wide selection of activities are the main focus of why the pool was featured. Young swimmers can take to the water slides and spray park while experienced competitive swimmers can practice or race in the six-lane 25-yard area.

Newton Recreation Center Superintendent Brian Bascue said this award would have never been achievable without the people’s demand for a respectable pool.

“I was very excited to hear the news,” Bascue said. “I hope people see the Newton pool for the special amenity that it is.”

In addition to being recognized, the Newton pool has also been experiencing an energetic surge of attendees since it reopened its doors in May.

Attendance in the pool has seen a 40 percent increase compared to 2019 numbers, Bascue said.

Numbers for 2019 are more applicable for comparison due to the pool’s limited opening last year and the effects of the pandemic.

While the pool catches the eye of anyone looking to get out of the heat with vibrant colors, the city and construction team for the project caught the eye of Aquatics International.

The feature commended the pool for utilizing regenerative filters to minimize water consumption levels and maintain safe water quality.

Renovations to the pool seem to be taken into consideration by the magazine, as well. Restoring the deep end of the pool and the existing water slide saved the project tens of thousands of dollars in construction costs, according to the feature.

With that extra money, the project was able to further the amenities with the inclusion of a new slide and shaded areas.

Architectural and aquatic design for the Newton pool was done by Lamp Rynearson and construction was done by Dondlinger Construction.

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