A new community pool for Alpena is in the initial planning stages.

On the community survey, it asked several specific questions about the pool as well as our other community sport and recreation needs — such as more indoor gyms.

Reading through the open-ended comments, it was noted how often erroneous information was commented on by the public. Moving forward as supporters of a new pool, it is important that community members have the correct information to share with others.

1.) The Alpena Plaza Pool is owned by Alpena County but is not funded with general fund taxpayer dollars. No general fund dollars are allocated or budgeted specifically to the pool.

It is operated with funds from the Youth and Recreation Millage funds, as well as rentals, memberships, fees of pool users (individuals, teams, outside organizations), fundraising dollars from Friends of Plaza Pool, as well as private donations and sponsorships.

It is managed for the county by Synchronizations, a private company. This does not mean that extra funds are not needed from Alpena County for maintenance and repair of the building and/or pool on a yearly basis.

2.) If the Plaza Pool is relocated, the building reverts back to Alpena Public Schools for their use.

3.) The APlex is not owned by the County of Alpena, but by the Park Family Foundation.

No public tax dollars go into this building for operating costs; however, groups that use the facility (tennis, pickleball, karate, gymnastics, etc.) may receive Youth and Recreation Funds for specific activities/events or equipment.

Revenue is generated from events, building use rentals, and recreational fees of the facility users.

The daily operations are managed by Synchronizations, a private company.

FRIENDS OF PLAZA POOL BOARD