Ottawa is applying for a state Community Development Block Grant through the Blueprint to Build program toward a community center in Forest Park. The draft calls for about 23,950 square feet with a gym, indoor pool, multipurpose room and fitness space, replacing the park's outdoor pool.

The early estimate is $10,750,000. The city would seek up to $4,000,000 from the grant and cover the remaining $6,750,000 with Quality of Life sales tax revenue. City Manager Thatcher Moddie has called the figures preliminary.

At a September 23 hearing, Ottawa Swim Club members and others asked for a lap pool with six to eight lanes, larger than the one in the draft. Commissioners voted to continue the application, which is due October 16. Moddie said the final layout is open to negotiation with the state Commerce Department.

For details, see KOFO's reports on the proposal and the application, and the September 9 and September 23 commission minutes.