Following lengthy discussion on Wednesday afternoon, the Merrill Parks and Recreation commission selected Beaver Dam based Water Technology Inc. (WTI) to design and plan a new municipal swimming pool. Plans for a new outdoor pool have been spurred by a $4 million offer from an as-yet unidentified prospective donor.
Last Wednesday, the commission heard presentations and received bids from three engineering firms, of which WTI submitted the lowest bid of $237,400. Wausau based Becher-Hoppe submitted a bid of $313,491, and Plateville based Burbach Aquatics came in with the highest bid at $480,105.
“WTI focuses only on pools and I think that was a big factor in the commission’s decision,” commented commission vice-chairperson Dorwin Harris. “We are well aware this generous donation lies in our hands, and the community is relying on us to give them a pool they can be proud of. If pools are all they do, they ought to be good at it. That’s what we are hoping for.”
According to WTI project manager Dean Mueller, the focus moving forward will be a spring ground breaking.
“We have a lot of work to do and I am excited to get to it!” Mueller stated. “Between now and the spring, we will be meeting with city administration to work on planning and design for a new pool. I look forward to receiving input from the community, and working with and for the citizens of the city of Merrill to help bring them a pool they can be proud of and enjoy.”