Local swimming club chooses location for indoor pool

The Mitchell Aquatic Club announced Tuesday that it will build a $50,000 to $70,000 practice pool at a north Mitchell location.

Club president Allan Miller said the MAC board approved plans Monday evening for the installation of a temporary, above-ground pool at 1401 N. Main St. The club is hopeful the converted space will be ready for the use of swimmers in two months or less.

“We hope to have an open house event sometime near the end of December or first part of January,” Miller said.

The site — at the south end of Northstar Plaza — previously housed Campbell Supply’s automotive service center. Miller said the MAC recently approved a four-year lease and renewal option with property owner Jim Buechler. Further terms of the lease were not disclosed.

“It’s really a good location, and we’re looking to get in there as soon as we possibly can,” Miller said.

The swim club lost its long-time swimming facility at Mitchell Middle School this summer when the school district closed the facility to eliminate maintenance costs. The closure will save the district an estimated $68,000 annually.

To soften the impact’s closure on the swim club, the Mitchell school board in September approved a one-time, $17,800 “lease payment” to the MAC, even though no school events will be scheduled for the facility.

The Mitchell City Council also approved up to a $30,000 donation to help keep the Middle School pool open when the MAC was pursuing that option. Miller said he thinks those funds can be applied to the new project, though city officials were not immediately available for comment.

The MAC has funds set aside for the project, Miller said, but he would not disclose the amount.

For more details about this project, read Wednesday's print and online editions of The Daily Republic.

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