News File Photo A group of divers is seen in the Alpena Plaza Pool in this News File Photo.

ALPENA — A proposed plan to expand the APlex in Alpena and have a new pool built at the recreational complex has taken a step forward.

Last week, Alpena County received six bids from companies who are able to design a new pool to incorporate into the APlex, provide a cost estimate for it, and lead a public input campaign so any design includes ideas from residents, especially those who use the Plaza Pool.

Alpena County Administrator Mary Catherine Hannah said the bids range in cost from $68,000 to $170,000.

Hannah said if a new pool is built at the APlex, it would likely be phase one of a larger expansion project. She said a committee was formed consisting of herself, a representative from Alpena, the Park Family Foundation, Alpena Public Schools, and the county’s youth and recreation board. Alpena Community College, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, Besser Co. and many others are also involved in discussions.

The bids will be reviewed by the committee, which will make a recommendation to the Alpena County Capital and Strategic Planning Committee.

The CIP committee will send forward its recommendation to the full board of commissioners. Hannah said that process could be done soon.

“Whoever is selected will come up with a conceptual design and gather community input for what everyone would like to see about an expansion of the APlex with the first phase possibly being a pool,” she said.

If the project becomes a reality, it could lead to the county getting out from underneath the cost of running the Plaza Pool and spending less — with the financial help of other partners — to have a new pool open.

In February, Hannah said the Plaza Pool is about 50 years old, obsolete, and prone to expensive repairs and maintenance.

She said the school district has shown interest in having a new pool built because it is considering reforming a swim and dive team.

But the size and depth of Plaza Pool doesn’t meet the criteria of the Michigan High School Athletic Association or USA Swimming. A new pool would meet the standards and allow for Alpena to host swim meets, which could also provide a boost to the local economy as families would come to town for the meets.

When news of a possible APlex expansion and a new pool broke in February, Hannah said, for the most part, people had favorable views of the idea. She said it is important to remain engaged with the community throughout the planning process.

“I heard very positive things, the committee has received positive feedback, as have the commissioners,” she said. “There are a lot of potential uses for the APlex and pool, so working with the user groups is important too.”

Once a consultant is hired and a preliminary design is drafted, Hannah said, a clearer picture of potential construction and maintenance costs will be clearer. Hannah said in February, that all involved know the county will be unable to pay for everything.

“I have been crystal clear to everyone that there is no way the county can pay for all of this,” she said.