In Pueblo, a significant landmark stands at a crossroads. The 90-year-old bathhouse at City Park was once set to be demolished to make way for a new tennis facility. However, due to lack of funding, the project has been scrapped. This decision has sparked a heated debate among the community.

Mayor's Decision and Its Impact

Mayor Heather Graham announced the cancellation of the tennis facility project. She explained that the city simply did not have the financial resources to proceed. This led to disappointment among those who were looking forward to a new tennis facility. But it also opened the door for a different possibility - the preservation of the historic bathhouse.

As News5 has reported, the city council initially approved $1,782,035 in grants and funds for the project. But higher costs forced the city to find an additional $1,316,841. Despite efforts, the council voted 4-3 against providing more money. This means that the new tennis facility project is now dead, with no additional funds allocated in the future.

The only money already spent on the project is around $131,000 for design and architect work. This loss is a setback, but it also highlights the importance of careful financial planning.

Historic Preservation Commission's Efforts

The Pueblo Historic Preservation Commission has been tirelessly working to save the bathhouse. Their goal is to preserve the building and its history for future generations. George Koncilja, a member of the commission, believes that the building is not in perfect condition, but it can be renovated.

"Our intentions have always been to preserve this building. We had no intention of delaying the city's plans for a new facility. Our real goal is to ensure that this building stands for years to come," said Koncilja. He is confident that with the right approach, the bathhouse can be made ADA accessible and enhanced with additional amenities.

The commission has reached out to asbestos remediation contractors and is hopeful for pro bono assistance. They believe that with proper renovations, the current bathhouse building can serve the tennis facility adequately.

Renovation Plans and Funding

Now that the bathhouse will not be torn down, a group including Koncilja plans to fix it up and make it ADA accessible. They have reapplied for the historic landmark application, which allows them to access $500,000 per year in grant money. They have already raised about $140,000 in private commitments, but the total cost of the renovation is estimated to be closer to $700,000.

The mayor has stated that keeping the existing bathhouse building would cost more than a million dollars. This presents a challenge, but the group remains committed to saving the landmark.

Reallocation of Federal Funds

Since the new tennis facility project is not moving forward, the federal money set aside will be reallocated. Mayor Graham said that the funds will be used to purchase police vehicles for 2025 and for other park projects. These proposals will be voted on at the next city council meeting on December 9.