Mayor Graham Proposes New Solution for Bathhouse Bid Shortfall

PUEBLO-The City Park Bathhouse was a main point of discussion during the City Council Work Session on Monday, November 18. It came to the City of Pueblo's attention that the demolition of the current bathhouse and the reconstruction of the new tennis building needs additional funding due to increased construction, abatement and inflationary costs of materials.

The shortfall of funding equates to $1,316,841, however Mayor of Pueblo Heather Graham announced to City Council $1,645,551 in funding ready and available to meet the shortfall through approval by City Council. To meet the shortfall, Mayor Graham and City staff from Pueblo Department of Public Work and Pueblo Parks and Recreation suggested funding sources which included transfer of funding from other non-general fund projects which have left over funding available.

"The shortfall is disappointing, yet we've found a solution to transfer additional funding sources without compromising our already stretched budget," said Mayor of Pueblo Heather Graham. "We have no intention of allocating general fund dollars and look to find a creative solution which allocates dollars already available to the City."

These sources include the capital project of the Arkansas Levee Trail Construction, City Park Renovation, Bathroom City Park Maintenance and a transfer from Landfill Alternatives which together total $433,866. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds available to assist the shortfall include transfer of funds from leftover Parks trucks, Airport mower and forklift, trail repair, video surveillance in parks and remaining interest. The ARPA projects have been completed or do not require as much funding as previously approved, which allows for $882,975 in ARPA funding to be allocated toward the new tennis building project.

The bathhouse, constructed during the Works Progress Administration (WPA) era, has suffered from significant structural issues related to groundwater infiltration and unstable soil conditions. These issues, combined with the need for modern amenities and ADA accessibility, led to the City's decision to replace the bathhouse with a new facility designed to serve future generations.

"While we understand that demolishing a historic structure can be an emotional issue for some members of the community, we have a responsibility to ensure public facilities are safe, functional, and sustainable," said Mayor Heather Graham. "We've begun this work with full consideration of the bathhouse's historical value, and elements of the original structure will be preserved in the new facility to keep its legacy alive."

The City recognizes the historical significance of the bathhouse, which was originally built as part of the WPA in the 1930s. While the decision to move forward with demolition was not made lightly, the City has committed to preserving key elements of the original structure. Stone materials from the existing bathhouse will be salvaged and incorporated into the new facility's façade, and an interpretive wall will be installed to educate park visitors about the bathhouse's historical role.

Mayor Graham and City staff received direction to put an ordinance for consideration by City Council on the Monday, December 2 agenda for next steps with the City Park Bathhouse and new tennis building construction.