For about 50 years, members of the Osage Country Club in Linn have spent summers taking in the sun and enjoying a dip in the pool but after all this time, it’s evident a change is in order, and State Tech took the first step in making a big splash with a new pool.
“Getting the current pool opened last year was a bit of a challenge, but the plan is to use the existing pool one more summer,” said State Tech President Dr. Shawn Strong. “The pool was well used through the summer and fall.”
State Tech’s Board of Regents recently approved a contract with Columbia Pool and Spa for the new community pool, with the contract not to exceed $1 million. A student fee approved by the Student Government Association earlier this year is making this all possible.
Columbia Pool and Spa was able to address every one of the top features. They have built large and small pools around Central Missouri, the most notable is the pool at Backwater Jacks in Osage Beach.
COVID-19 has created an unexpected backlog in the pool construction industry, which means the project won’t begin until next fall but the pool will be ready by early spring 2022.
Dr. Strong is excited about what this project will mean for not only the student body, but the community as a whole.
“This is the beginning of what we envisioned when we took over the golf course,” he said. “We want to be able to grow with the city of Linn and also give back. We have architects working on the long-range master plan this winter. I hope the community will be excited about our vision.”
At 3,895 square feet, the new pool will be more than twice as big as the current pool, and with decking around the pool, the fenced area will be close to 8,000 square feet.
State Tech had a list of features students asked for when they put out the request for proposals (RFP). The ability to have multiple areas to break up the pool and make it feel less crowded was top on the list. The areas included a zero-entry with water features for little kids, swim lanes for laps or playing a game of basketball, an area to drift and relax, and a swim-up bar for adults.
The maximum depth of the pool will be an industry-standard 4’6”.
“The current pool has a deep end of eight feet so that will be something different for members who have been used to swimming there,” said Dr. Strong. “From a liability standpoint, it makes sense.”
At this time, there have been discussions of whether to post lifeguards at the pool.
Plans also include for the pool to be heated, which means an extended swimming season for students and the community.
Dr. Strong said that means the pool could open as early as mid-March and close in late October.
Hours of operation have not yet been determined and will be determined by usage.
Dr. Strong added that the master plan includes connecting the swim-up bar to the clubhouse though he doesn’t believe the structure will be removed.
“We’ll see what happens once we finalize the plans, and if we have to do anything to the clubhouse, there will be a job trailer put in use,” said Dr. Strong. “Even in that case, it won’t interrupt our services.”
A shower/changing area is planned in the new clubhouse.
From every place in the pool, members will have a view of the golf course, and on one end, a raised stone wall will provide a nice aesthetic view for those playing golf.
Osage Country Club is owned and operated by State Tech and this new pool is just the beginning of improvements, Dr. Strong said.
“Hopefully, this is a positive aspect of living in a college town and the community can take advantage of it,” he added.