The new facility will replace City’s existing pool at Memorial Park, which was built in 1976 and had become outdated and unable to meet the demands of a growing population.

Karl Teemant, Payson City recreation director, said the facility is “very important” in the City’s development. The city financed the new facility with a 5.5 million sales tax revenue bond. The facility comes with a high price tag, but has lots of support, not only from local residents, but the local area as well.

The effort to build a new pool began about 4 years ago when the city council appointed a committee to investigate the issue in 2003 and work has progressed slowly since then. The new facility combines a traditional lap pool with a family friendly “leisure pool” designed to accommodate swimmers of all ages and abilities.

The design also incorporates a “lazy river” and two water slides. There are picnic areas and it is fully landscaped. Offficials hope to be able to attract people of all ages, including parents and senior citizens.