The consultant hired by the city in April to study potential upgrades for Prospect Pool has created a survey that local residents are invited to take.

Residents can access the survey from Aquatic Facility Design of Millersburg at the Prospect Pool Altoona Facebook page, where there is a post that contains a QR code; or by going directly to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P77KLDP.

“We want to get user input and community input on what people would like to see — (for the pool) to be attractive,” said City Councilman Dave Ellis. “We want an idea of what the community is looking for.”

The survey asks:

– Do you make use of the facility? How do you get there? What sort of admission setup do you use? (daily pass, season pass); Have the admission charges been reasonable? Would you be willing to pay more if the pool is improved?

– Do you go to other area pools? What amenities, programs or special events would you like to see at Prospect? Would you still use the pools if management tightened up rules on bringing food and drink from outside?

– Does anyone in your family have special needs? How important would be the addition of an accessible family changing area? Has anyone in your family taken swim lessons at Prospect? Would anyone in your family be interested in competitive swimming or aquatic fitness programs at Prospect?

– Would you like to see more shady areas there? How would you rate the pool’s current condition? Is the size of the pool OK? Would you like to see more activities or areas dedicated to individuals of specific age ranges?

– Would you like to see swim times assigned for various age groups? Are the signs at the complex clear? Are the behavior rules enforced well? Would you be interested in renting an improved pool for birthday parties or meetings? Are you a city resident?

Providing one’s name is optional.

“The goal is to receive more accurate recommendations for prospective improvements to the pool based on the needs and wishes of community members,” states a news release from the city announcing the survey.

The survey is open until Aug. 12.

Aquatic is charging the city $25,900 for the study.

Initially, the study was expected to be done by the end of summer.

When it’s finished, the city can commission a full design, which could be done in time for construction in spring 2026, officials said in April.

The survey is one of several study components, according to information provided in April.

Others include collaboration with a focus group; “key person interviews” to help develop programing and infrastructure design; documentation of the existing facilities; development of as many as five improvement concepts; a listing of programs feasible with each concept; images of proposed features; estimated lifeguard and patron counts for each concept; budgets for each concept; and question and answer sessions for a study committee.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-381-3152.