The meetings will allow residents to share ideas for the pool and surrounding recreational space. Photo courtesy of the Butte County Fair

 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Butte County officials are inviting residents to help shape the future of the Gridley swimming pool through a series of community design sessions scheduled for Nov. 16, 19 and 21 at the Butte County Fairgrounds.

The meetings will allow residents to share ideas for the pool and surrounding recreational space as the county prepares an application for a state grant that could provide up to $8.5 million to repair or replace the aging facility.

County officials have scheduled four community design sessions at Butte Hall, 199 E. Hazel St., Gridley. The meetings will take place Monday, Nov. 16, from noon to 1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m., and Thursday, Nov. 19, from 10-11 a.m. and 6-7 p.m.

The county will also host a meeting Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10-11 a.m., allowing residents to review the conceptual site plan.

All ages are welcome to participate.

The public meetings follow an Oct. 13 decision by the Butte County Board of Supervisors to pursue funding through the fifth round of the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program.

The county faces mounting maintenance costs at the pool, which has served Gridley residents for approximately 70 years. Officials have identified structural problems, persistent leaks, excessive chlorine consumption and design issues that make cleaning and maintenance difficult.

Without additional funding, the county may have to consider permanently closing and demolishing the facility.

The Butte County Fair Association manages the pool, which serves local schools, swim teams and community members during the summer.

Supervisor Tod Kimmelshue has emphasized the importance of preserving the pool, which farmers originally constructed to provide children with a safer alternative to swimming in irrigation canals and drainage ditches.

The state grant program offers awards of up to $8.5 million without requiring local matching funds. However, county officials caution that funding is competitive and approval is not guaranteed.

Applications are due Dec. 17.

Residents seeking additional information about the community design sessions can contact Butte County General Services at 530-552-3500.