City Council Monday awarded an engineering design contract to a Millersburg company that will result in the reconstruction of the Prospect Pool complex in Dutch Hill.

The project would begin in the spring of 2026. As a result, Prospect would be closed for the entire 2026 season, with reopening set for the 2027 swim season.

The $413,000 contract calls for Aquatic Facility Design to create construction plans to realize a design option chosen by a committee of officials and community members from among a menu of options created by the company over the last six months.

Those design costs and the estimated $3 million construction costs for a rebuilt pool and its accessories, a separate splash pad and renovations of the concession stand and bathhouse will be covered by a donor — an Altoona native — who insists on his name not being publicly known, according to City Manager Christopher McGuire.

“I want to respect that,” said McGuire of the donor’s desire for anonymity. “It shows somebody who cares about the city, its children and its youth, and (who) had faith in the city putting the project together.”

The donor was also motivated by the city’s efforts after it took over the pool from the Central Blair Recreation and Park Commission three years ago, according to Councilman Ron Beatty.

Prospect then was on the verge of being closed, Beatty said.

There followed physical repairs, close management and security measures that eliminated the problems of misbehavior by young teens.

“We were successful in making the pool safe and enjoyable,” Beatty said.

The choice from three final options for the rebuild took account of recommendations from a variety of “stakeholders.”

The considerations included the number of lifeguards needed and operating costs, according to McGuire.

The chosen design calls for a walk-in shallow end for the pool, competition swimming lanes, two diving boards and a sliding board on the deep end and solar panels to heat the water — something desired by people who have experienced chilly water in the spring, McGuire said.

There will also be new decking, a stainless steel gutter system, new or refitted filtration and electrical systems, new steel tanks and new mechanical and electrical systems, according to the firm’s written proposal.

The splash pad with shade structure will especially benefit single parents with multiple children who would otherwise need to choose between the spray park in Juniata and Prospect, said Mayor Matt Pacifico.

The renovations will make the complex ADA compliant.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.