Perhaps the reason the members of the Aquatics Committee were able to come to a consensus on a water park concept minus a basin pool is that an indoor pool facility lies on the horizon for Bismarck.

While opinions varied on what to build at the Elks Pool site, it was the overwhelming wish of the committee that an indoor swimming facility, open all year, be built. When, where and how much are all a matter of debate, but everyone interviewed said that Bismarck is the only major North Dakota city without a indoor municipal swimming pool.

"The Aquatics Committee was created to look at four areas - improvement and renovation of Wachter and Hillside pools; a concept for the Elks site; what to do in north Bismarck for a summer swimming facility; and the need for an indoor facility," Bismarck Parks and Recreation District Director Steve Neu said. "We've reached a consensus on a concept for the Elks site. I think the greatest discussion is going to come next - what to do for an indoor facility."

"I think the time is right, in fact I know it's right to start moving on an indoor facility," said Cody Strothman, a committee member. "There is a demand for it. The matter is how will it be paid for? It's going to have to be done with a sales tax or a community betterment tax."

"It's blatantly obvious we need an indoor facility," said Dennis Kemmesat, another committee member. "Bismarck is the only Class A school district that doesn't have a swimming curriculum."

Committee member Jim Ballantyne said he hopes to see plans for an indoor facility coming together in the next year and a half to two years.

"We're the only major community in the state that doesn't have an indoor aquatic facility the schools can use, and this is a gross mistake. We're living on the Missouri River, kids need to know how to swim."

The work will be to bring all the stakeholders together, according to Neu. He sees several groups participating including the school district and local colleges.

Char McLaughlin said she suspects the committee's Elks recommendation was led by the idea that an indoor pool is close at hand. While she agrees it is a necessity for a community the size of Bismarck, it might be years before it becomes a reality, she said.

"I'm a member of the YMCA (which runs a full-size indoor pool), but telling the public school to use the Y is not appropriate," McLaughlin said. "And there is no way the Y can handle the type of numbers we're talking about."

Judy Carlson and Pat Schwartz, also members of the Aquatics Committee, want to see an indoor facility capable of providing swimming all year. The 60 days offered by outdoor pools don't meet the community's needs.

"Everything we really want in a facility may eventually be realized in an indoor aquatic facility," Carlson says.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@bismarcktribune.com.)