The city of Issaquah is continuing its efforts toward securing a new aquatic center with a feasibility study.

The study, which began last spring, is examining the possibility of upgrades to Julius Boehm Pool, construction of a new pool or a combination of the two, said Jen Newton, recreation supervisor at the pool.

Two public input meetings were held in recent months, and Newton said the community response has been impressive.

“We’ve had really good public turnout, and great e-mail responses,” she said. “People really want to see something different.”

The current pool, built in 1976, no longer meets the community’s need for space, Newton said. It has been well-maintained over the years, but simply can’t accommodate all users.

“We basically have four swim teams trying to find pool space, kids who want lessons, and adult lap swimmers who can only go in the middle of the day, or late at night,” Newton said.

Family time is also extremely limited, and the pool has very few amenities when compared to others that boast water slides, water currents and outdoor “spraygrounds,” among other things.

Current options for improvements range from simply improving the existing pool, to building a brand-new one complete with special-event rooms and a fitness center.

Estimates have been worked up for how much the various projects will cost, but because plans are not yet finalized or approved, possible funding sources have not been examined.

“That’s something we haven’t even talked about yet,” Newton said.

Consultants for the feasibility study will present their findings at the Nov. 25 City Council committee-of-the-whole meeting, which will be the last chance for community members to tell officials what they want. Citizens are also invited to send in e-mails with ideas and suggestions up to that point.

“People have been kind of all over the board with what they want to see at the new pool. There haven’t really been any trends,” Newton said. “But the overwhelming opinion has been that they want more than what we have now.”

Newton said the steering committee intends to present its final report in January, when the City Council will vote whether or not to give the project a green light.

Katie Regan can be reached at kregan@issaquahreporter.com or 391-0363, ext. 5052.