Village opens bids for Eddie Collins pool construction

MILLERTON — The village of Millerton began accepting bids on Sept. 26 for the Eddie Collins Memorial Park Pool and Pool House.

The New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NYSWIMS) initiative was started because drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged one to four. The grant program’s mission is to expand access to safe swimming facilities across the state. The Village was granted nearly $6.4 million from NYSWIMS and $500,000 from New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to help with the cost of construction.

The selection process to pick an engineering firm needs to be aligned with the SWIMS Grant procurement requirements. Evaluations will examine the qualifications and experience in similar projects, character and how the proposer will meet the Village’s needs.

Phase II is anticipated to be completed in 6 to 8 months, hoping to start the construction by spring 2025. Part of the design includes a “pool house and community center, accessible short-course pool, pool mechanicals, pool deck, pool appurtenances (i.e., slide, play elements, diving boards, etc.), a septic system, utilities, stormwater conveyances, green infrastructure, electrical infrastructure, lighting for the entire Park, sidewalks, signage, and landscaping.”

The project has received funding from grants, including NY SWIMS, which will help pay for the production of the park’s new look. The Village will determine the role of administering and closing out each grant.