Survey shows slim majority support for $33M North Side pool; board makes no decision

La Crosse city and school district officials presented survey results on June 18 for a proposed collaborative indoor pool that would serve both recreational users and competitive swimmers. Director Odegard told the Board of Park Commissioners the survey returned just over 4,000 responses (about a 14.5% response rate) and that a question about supporting a $33,000,000 referendum produced roughly 52% weighted "definitely+probably yes" support when staff responses were excluded. He cautioned that 52% is a slim margin and should not be viewed as a mandate.

"When we look at the big question, would you support a $33,000,000 referendum to fund the pool plan? ... that was equaled 52%," Director Odegard said. Odegard also noted respondent demographics were heavily weighted toward residents 65 and older (43% of respondents) and that about 95% of replies came from people in the La Crosse School District. He said the city and school district held multiple public information sessions and that the school district engaged a vendor, School Perceptions, to conduct the survey.

Odegard described the operational state of existing facilities: while the North Side Pool's structure and mechanical systems remain, they do not meet current permit requirements. "We could go and fire it up tomorrow. What happens after we fire it up is the question at hand... the mechanicals are still usable. They're just hanging by a thread and they don't meet the requirements of what we need... for our permits right now," he said, urging caution about restarting an unstable facility without reliable ongoing operations funding and staff.

Dr. Engel, representing the La Crosse School District, said the school board also found the survey inconclusive and is weighing political, financial and communication factors. "In a survey, you're hoping for, like, 65% in one direction. ... At that fifty-fifty mark it makes it really difficult," Dr. Engel said, adding that further public education and discussion could increase support over time.

Board members emphasized that no vote or referendum will be set at the meeting. Odegard said the North Side capital improvement request has been moved to 2029 and that the pool committee will meet Monday to review the results and next steps. The board took no formal action on a referendum or capital commitment.

Next steps include the pool committee's meeting and continued staff collaboration with the school district and partner organizations to refine funding options and locations.