City proceeds with pool and fitness center improvements

Pool and fitness center improvements and expansion plans are back on track in Luverne.
City leaders will meet Dec. 2 with architects to finalize plans and authorize engineers to draw up plans and specifications for Phase 1 of the expansion.
Items under consideration include:
•updated showers and more private locker rooms with family changing rooms, 
•24/7 fitness center access, 
•flat space for group exercise, such as aerobics and yoga,
•more floor space for weights and aerobic machines,
•upgraded heating, cooling and ventilation,
•room for a social “coffee area” and
•more space for storage and staff work areas.
The Dec. 2 meeting will involve the steering committee that’s been working for the past three years on expansion and improvement plans for the Luverne Area Aquatics and Fitness center.
The group surveyed community members about what they’d like to see in a local pool and fitness center, and many of the Phase 1 plans are a result of those survey responses.
The steering committee also hosted open house tours of the current facility and researched options that are working in other community facilities.
However, by the time a Phase 1 list reached the council for consideration it was put on hold for other capital expenses that had moved up the priority list.
With tru Shrimp and Premium Iowa Pork coming to town, the city turned attention and resources to developing the industrial park and improving electrical and wastewater capacity.
The shrimp harbor isn’t coming to Luverne for now, but PIP has shared in wastewater treatment upgrades and city leaders acknowledge the industrial park infrastructure and utilities upgrades are wise future investments.
Meanwhile, other developments came on the tax rolls in recent months, and the city is realizing new revenue that could fund pool and fitness center improvements without increasing local taxes.
City Finance Director Barb Berghorst said housing and industry expansions in Luverne are paying off.
“There’s a lot of positive momentum, and all that adds to the tax base, which means more funds to provide amenities in the community,” she said.
Berghorst, who serves on the committee, said the point of the Dec. 2 meeting will be to determine a cost estimate for the city to consider and to consider other needs that may have arisen since the committee’s early work.
“We’re looking at the essential things for Phase 1,” she said. “The whole building needs to be re-evaluated.”
The city will consider the Phase 1 list and budget for the work in either 2020 or 2021.
A Phase II list, such as an indoor track, basketball courts and outdoor splash pad are not under consideration until Phase I is complete.