The option is at no cost to Huber Heights, and it will allow the city to see if it is feasible to acquire the land, which is surrounded by residential properties. The property also could be donated to the city, according to Scott Falkowski, assistant city manager.
“We want to make sure the site is kept up,” he said. “We see that as a benefit for both parties.”
Representatives for the club could not be reached for comment. The phone number listed for the facility has been disconnected.
The most recent post on the club’s Facebook page from Nov. 12 says the members voted to pursue turning control over to the city.
Falkowski said the city wants to move quickly because there may be an opportunity to open the property to the public this year. He said the city could reopen the property as a pool or a park to serve the residents in that area of the city.
The property includes a pool, playground equipment, tennis courts, bathhouse, concession area and open land, which is about half the site.
“We want to see what kind of shape everything is in,” Falkowski said. “We won’t know until we get in there.”
Falkowski said the city has not determined what it would cost to purchase the property if it is not donated, nor has it calculated the cost for facility improvements and maintenance.
The contract is expected to be signed this week, Falkowski said. The option expires after 180 days, but an extension could be exercised.
“It gives us enough time to do the research and check with the state on pool regulations, and check the filtration system, piping, leaks,” Falkowski said. “We want to know where the money could possibly go if we have to go and fix anything up.”
The Huber Heights Municipal Pool closed after the 2009 season, and the city opened the Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights last year.
The $6 million aquatic center generated more than $550,000 in revenue in its first season of operation, netting a profit of $114,375. It attracted 86,977 total visitors.
“If it’s reasonable to take it over and use it as another municipal pool, it’d be a good asset to the southern part of the city and go hand in hand with the aquatic center,” Falkowski said.
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