The pool in Ottawa's proposed community center at Forest Park is getting bigger. At the first public hearing on September 23, residents said the planned lap pool was too small for swim teams and community programs. The design now has six lanes.

The bigger pool is part of why the estimated cost has gone from about $10,750,000 to $12,595,110. The city is seeking a state Community Development Block Grant worth as much as $4 million. City Manager Thatcher Moddie said the city listened, and the state Commerce Department wants the revised plan and costs before the application goes in.

On October 14 the City Commission set a second public hearing for Wednesday, November 4, at 7 p.m. at City Hall. That vote did not commit any city money.

For details, see KOFO's reports on the commission agenda and the pool size, and the October 14 commission minutes.