By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
Highlighting the evening at the Glasgow Common Council October meeting, director for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, Eddie Furlong, updated council members on the aquatic center project at American Legion Park.
His presentation was accompanied by slides of the park’s progress, starting in 2024 with the demolition of the former nearly 50-year-old city pool. Originally, the department set a goal of opening this summer. Unfortunately, the project was met with delays as storms stalled construction crews.
Councilman Randy Wilkinson asked about the lack of revenue from the city pool for the 2025 season. “I just wonder if there is any recoup of money lost,” he said.
“There is some language in that contract,” Furlong responded, going on to explain that Public Works Director Jim McGowan is handling the matter. “There’ve been several emails and conversations about that specifically.”
It was also disclosed that the project is operating under budget. “From the very beginning we were under $200,000,” he said. “There’ve been some change orders, but we’re still underneath that.” Total estimated costs for the development were quoted at around $10 million.
Furlong’s presentation was aided by aerial views of the park’s development since construction began in April 2024. He went on to show its progress, making special mention of the newly constructed water slides, visible to passersby along Happy Valley Road. “We have a family slide…that is about eight feet wide so you can have multiple people going down at once,” he said. “There’s also a double slide, one is enclosed and one is open.” Furlong went on to show off amenities such as a climbing wall, pickleball courts, and a walking track.
Furlong stated that individuals younger than 16 would need to be accompanied by an adult, “…We’re not babysitters.” Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
While no official date was given for the park’s opening, Furlong was optimistic. “In the coming weeks, when we get that date, we’ll be blowing it out to everybody,” he said. “We’re going to be doing an ‘open house,’ and at that time we’ll also be selling our pre-season passes.”
Passes for pre-season customers will run $80 for an individual or $220 for a family of four. Hours were set at the department’s committee meeting prior to the council meeting, agreeing on 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
The council also unanimously agreed to allow city grant writer April Russell to apply for a state grant that would be spent on improvements like resurfacing and reconstruction of the city’s roadways.
The Glasgow council’s next regular meeting is Nov. 10.
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