By Joe Bachman

The city voted unanimously to commit at least $5 million to an outdoor aquatics facility at Witter Field on Tuesday night.

Discussions were held at last month’s common council meeting, which set in motion the intent to build an outdoor aquatics facility at Witter Field. While official plans have yet to be smoothed over, estimates for a facility to be completed by Summer of 2018 could range as high as $8 million.

“The city needs a new aquatics facility at Witter Field, and people here have convinced me that’s where it should be,” said alderperson Tom Rayome. “I think we’re going to attract people from other areas to come here and use the facility.”

According to Mayor Zach Vruwink, any means of financing the aquatics center would be considered at a later date.

“I look forward to this new facility,” said alderperson James Stack. “This will be a good plus for the city.”

Further discussion included the commitment to at least two splash pads, one on each side of town, with the hope to see them constructed by summer of 2017. The splash pads will be included with the city’s intent to seek Request for Proposals for the outdoor facility.

While initial designs and plans were provided by Plateville based architecture firm Burbach Aquatics, nothing is set in stone as of yet, though a final design is desired by spring of 2017 at the latest.

Discussion closed with the motion to pursue pledges and donations from local businesses to go towards the future aquatics facility.