From the Mayor’s Desk: Moving Forward on a New Pool
| Last Monday, the commission held a joint meeting with the Franklin County Fiscal Court and Franklin County Public Schools, at which we all voted to adopt an interlocal agreement (an agreement between two or more local governments to work together on a specific project) to initiate work on a new indoor aquatic and wellness center.
For years, residents have requested modern aquatic facilities that cater to the needs of families, swimmers, and seniors alike. Our three organizations have been meeting regularly to develop a framework that allows us to move forward with confidence. The agreement adopted last week establishes a joint committee comprising representatives from the city, county, school district, and members of the Tourist and Sports Commissions. In addition, one citizen representative will be selected jointly by Superintendent Kopp, Judge Mueller, and me.
This committee will solicit design proposals, choose a firm, and recommend a plan for consideration by each governing body. Once the design is complete, we will have the cost estimates necessary to guide the next steps. The sooner we have that design in hand, the better, since it will give us something tangible to share and rally support around. A potential site has been identified behind the state CHR building at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Cold Harbor Drive. While other sites were considered, including some that were already publicly owned, this location stands out for its central access to both the east and west sides of town, as well as downtown. The property is currently owned by the state, which has agreed to sell it to the county contingent on continued progress toward the project, so time is of the essence. Several alternative sites already exist on publicly owned land. The targeted site, however, remains the most centrally located and convenient option. If it works, it will be ideal; if not, we will adapt. To deliver the kind of facility Frankfort deserves, it will take both public and private resources. We already have a strong community interest, and several individuals have reached out to offer support. Corporate sponsorships, private donations, and participation from the Commonwealth, whose employees will also benefit, will all be essential. The more local investment we generate, the better the facility we can build, and the stronger our case for state support becomes. The project is expected to be designed as a single facility. Still, it will be managed in two parts: the pool and the wellness center, primarily for accounting purposes. The county schools are expected to focus their funding on the pool portion. In contrast, the city and county governments will share responsibility for the wellness center. So, how does this affect the efforts to renovate the KSU Exum Pool? In my view, not at all. I have long advocated for both projects to move forward, and I believe our community can support two indoor pools that serve different purposes. Once the full scope of work is understood, a more accurate estimate of the renovation cost can be established. That information has been the missing piece, and KSU continues to refine those details. To clarify, the renovation has not stalled due to a lack of support from the Frankfort City government. As many know, Swim with Purpose is raising awareness and funds to restore the Exum Pool. Our decision to pursue a new, modern facility should not in any way limit or discourage their progress on the Exum project. I remain in regular contact with KSU President Koffi Akakpo and Swim with Purpose founder Sam Taylor to stay updated on their efforts and to offer support where appropriate. It is also important to note that Frankfort Independent Schools have been part of the discussions throughout this process, and their participation in the final agreement was carefully considered. Ultimately, it was decided to give them flexibility to join later, rather than requiring a significant commitment at the outset. I am confident, however, that FIS students will have access to any new facility once it is complete. Frankfort is a city on the move. This project is one of several now underway, and together they will position our community at the forefront of the Commonwealth. By working collaboratively across governments, with residents, and alongside other partners, we are building the kind of amenities a capital city deserves. Last week’s agreement is another step in that progress. As always, thank you for your trust and engagement. Please drop me a line if there’s anything else you’d like to know. All the best, |
