Members of the Swimmers Forever group in Roundup met after the holidays to consider the question of moving forward on renovation and opening of the indoor swimming pool located in the south end of the Community Center building. Over the past three years, the group has conducted surveys, held fundraisers, and helped to fund an extensive professional engineering study of the feasibility of the project.

The Preliminary Architectural Report (PAR) prepared by Collaborative Design Architects in Billings in consultation with Greg Benjamin, structural engineer, and Daryl Thompson of Thompson Pools, considered life safety (reduced risk of injury); building structural condition; school district office/gymnasium setting; swimming pool components and systems; mechanical/HVAC; plumbing; electrical; and accessibility/ADA compliance. The study was funded by a Main Street grant awarded to the City of Roundup, funds from School District 55 and 55H, and donations gathered by Swimmers Forever.

The PAR concluded that because of building structural integrity issues; the condition of the pool shell and decking, necessary modifications of entrance and locker room areas for ADA compliance; and mechanical and electrical systems repair and upgrades, the cost of renovation would be prohibitive for the community. Total estimated cost would be nearly $1.5 million. In addition to renovation costs, annual maintenance would cost approximately $54,400. Usage fees alone could not generate sufficient revenue to pay these costs.

After volunteering many hours of time and hard work to explore options, Swimmers Forever members were reluctant to give up on the idea of having an indoor pool available for the enjoyment of Musselshell County residents, but had to recognize that cost puts the project out of reach. Members of the group thank all who helped during the past three years: Roundup School District, Musselshell Valley Community Foundation, Musselshell County Commissioners, City of Roundup, generous donors, Bingo Bash participants, and the dedicated members of Swimmers Forever.

Is this the end of the story? Perhaps not. Surveys conducted by Swimmers Forever confirmed a real need for improved recreation opportunities for both youth and adult residents. Several members of the group plan to schedule a visit with Musselshell County Commissioners and the Roundup City Council to test the waters on creation of a Recreation District. Such districts have worked well in other communities in the state to better manage existing recreation infrastructure and activities, as well as to build new facilities.