Casey Park Pool is officially getting a facelift.

Last month the Auburn City Council accepted a $200,000 grant secured by state Sen. Michael Nozzolio in March to upgrade the pool. The grant is included within the New York State Department of State's “Senate Majority Initiative Program.”

“There's no other way we could repair the pool,” Jerry DelFavero, superintendent of public works, said. “That's the problem with the way the budget is and the way finances are. It's the only way we can make these types of repairs.”

The main purpose of these repairs, DelFavero said, is to provide “a safe environment for people using the pool.”

To that end, the upgrades, which are slated to begin in the fall, will include a change in surfacing material. Currently the facility maintains a marcite concrete system. DelFavero is looking to adopt a PVC system.

Last year the concrete surface delaminated and fell into the pool, he said. The 35-year-old pool closed on the hottest day of the year for repairs.

“This has been an on-going problem for 10 years,” he said. “We have to be able to keep our pool open during the season. These repairs will put our minds at ease.”

The PVC surface is anticipated to provide 10 to 20 percent in savings, according to DelFavero, lowering the cost of maintenance and chemicals.

Improvements to the pool's steps and to the kiddy pool are also expected, according to city Councilor William Graney, who brought the crumbling pool to Nozzolio's attention.

Graney will be looking for additional funding to improve other areas of the park facility. Repairs need to be made in the ice rink locker rooms, running paths, and the soccer and baseball fields.

“$200,000 just scratches the surface for what needs to be done,” he said.

City Councilor Matt Smith and DelFavero are both hoping that the pool repairs do not require the full grant amount.

Right now they are aiming for the pool expenses to fall at about $137,000, leaving money to put towards lighting and concrete repairs as well as upgrading the restroom facilities and fencing.

“I believe that's the number we are shooting for,” DelFavero said. “But surprises do happen.”

The additional improvements will not take away from the pool repair, DelFavero said.

“The pool is the number one priority,” he said.“This is something that needs attention and there's no other way we can make this kind of improvement.”

The city is currently in the bidding process with the bidding opening slated for Aug. 7. They are aiming for repairs to begin in the fall to ensure the pool's opening for the summer season.

DelFavero believes that these improvements will not increase attendance, but Smith, an Auburn native, is hopeful that the pool enhancements will attract people from all parts of the city.

“I remember personally going there. It was jam-packed with kids from all areas of the community,” he said. “Now they are, more or less, from one section of the community. I'd like to see people from all parts of the city come and utilize the facility.”

For Smith, the pool enhancements will not only serve as a way to better patrons' experiences.

“There will be more sense of pride in the city because the people can see the city government do things that accommodate the needs of not only the children in the community, but everyone as well,” said Smith.

Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at alyssa.sunkin@lee.net or 253-5311 ext. 239