Grand Junction City Council Reviews Orchard Mesa Pool Options and CMU Football Facility Proposal

At the City Council Workshop on February 2, the Grand Junction City Council discussed two topics drawing significant community attention: the future of the Orchard Mesa Pool and next steps for the CMU-proposed football facility at the Lincoln Park Sports Complex.

Orchard Mesa Pool: Council Reviews Options for the Facility’s Future

The Grand Junction City Council reviewed the 2023 Orchard Mesa Pool Study, which concluded the pool is at the end of its systems’ useful life. After a presentation and historical overview from Parks and Recreation Director Ken Sherbenou, Council discussed four paths forward.

The Four Options Discussed

Option A: Continue operating Orchard Mesa Pool
Option B: Close Orchard Mesa Pool when the CRC opens
Option C: Issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a public-private partnership
Option D: Refer a Title 32 special district to voters

Cost Recovery and Subsidy Discussion

As part of the workshop, Council reviewed estimated capital and operating costs, along with cost recovery estimates. Depending on the approach, cost recovery was discussed as ranging from approximately 24% to 80%.

City staff noted that once the CRC opens, the subsidy per visit at Orchard Mesa Pool is projected to be around $30. For comparison:

• Lincoln Park Pool: $8.60 subsidy per visit
• Community Recreation Center (estimated): $3.12 subsidy per visit

Staff also shared that continuing current operations under Option A is estimated to require an annual subsidy of about $400,000, serving an estimated 14,400 visits per year.

Direction From Council: Move Forward on Option C, Gather More on Option D

Following discussion, the Council directed staff to begin moving forward with Option C, including first steps toward an RFP for a public-private partnership and potential new amenities at the site.

Council also asked staff to gather additional information on Option D, including requirements and implications of creating a Title 32 special district and examples of similar structures, so Council can better evaluate this option alongside a partnership approach.

Before returning with recommendations, staff will also speak with Mesa County Valley School District 51, which owns the land and the building. Staff plans to bring findings back to Council at a workshop next month.

CMU-Proposed Football Facility: Next Steps at Lincoln Park Sports Complex

The council also discussed next steps for the CMU-proposed football facility at the Lincoln Park Sports Complex. City staff will continue developing the proposal and return it to City Council for consideration at a future regular meeting, with the date still to be determined.

Key points discussed include:

• The City would continue to own the Lincoln Park Sports Complex.
• The lease under discussion would be limited to the football facility project site.
• The plan aims to preserve traditional stadium uses by D51 and other partners.
• It would maintain public access to the track.
• It would include enhanced amenities funded by CMU, including an estimated $7 million CMU investment in improvements to City-owned property.
• CMU would take on additional long-term operations and maintenance responsibilities, including turf repair and replacement at Stoker Stadium.
• CMU would make an estimated $300,000 annual lease/operations payment to cover operating costs currently paid by the City.
• The work would also address the Lincoln Park Barn, including how it would be preserved and used as part of the project, and how most current bookings would transition to the CRC once it opens, as planned.

What Happens Next

For the Orchard Mesa Pool, Council is moving toward exploring a public-private partnership while gathering additional information on the Title 32 special district option. For the CMU football facility, staff will continue refining the proposal and bring it back to Council at a future meeting for formal consideration.

Watch the Workshop 

To view the full workshop, visit: Grand Junction City Council Facilities Workshop