For almost a decade, the DeForest community has expressed interest in an outdoor aquatic facility as a way to enhance recreational opportunities. This project page on Engage DeForest dives into the history of this conversation, providing a timeline of studies and surveys that have shaped the dialogue. Explore how the outdoor aquatic facility has evolved over the years and addressing this long-standing community interest.

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    April 8, 2015

    Village of DeForest 2015-2019 Park and Open Space Plan (PDF) adopted by the DeForest Village Board (Ord 2015-014)

    • The plan highlights that 78.2% of survey responses indicated that they would desire a community pool.

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    August 16, 2016

    Village Board approves Resolution 2016-074: A Resolution Directing the Submission of a Referendum to the Electors at the November, 2016 Election Relating to Taxpayer Support for Construction and Operation of Municipal Pool.

    • Question 1: “Would you support a tax increase to construct and operate a municipal swimming pool?”
      • Explanation of Referendum Question 1: A “yes” vote on this referendum would mean that you are willing to pay higher property taxes to support a municipal swimming pool in DeForest. A “no” vote means that you do not support any increase in property taxes to pay for a municipal swimming pool.

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    November 8, 2016

    The Pool Referendum passes with 51.1%.

  • Timeline item 4 - complete

    November 16, 2016

    Staff presents referendum results to DeForest Village Board asking for further direction. Board requests reaching out to Village of Windsor and DeForest Area School District to share results and see if they would be interested in working together on the project.

  • Timeline item 5 - complete

    September 3, 2019

    Village Board provides direction to staff to pursue a Pool Task Force to conduct a pool feasibility study before pursuing further development in Fireman’s Park. Based on continued community interested indicated in the 2020-2024 Park and Open Space Plan (PDF).

  • Timeline item 6 - complete

    January 21, 2020

    Village Board votes to retain Parkitecture to conduct a Pool Study. Pool task force is created comprised of Village Staff, two Village Board members, industry professionals and 2 community stakeholders.

  • Timeline item 7 - complete

    July 6, 2021

    Pool task force presents initial findings of potential locations. Village Board directs staff to focus its investigation of the pool project at Fireman’s Park in order to not delay the project even further.

  • Timeline item 8 - complete

    April 19, 2022

    Village Board reviews timeline, pool study cost memo and potential next steps for a Binding Pool Referendum. Board requests staff to conduct a community survey first.

  • Timeline item 9 - complete

    July 18, 2022

    Community survey published to public.

  • Timeline item 10 - complete

    September 30, 2022

    Community survey closes.

    • 2283 total surveys (PDF) collected (1824 Village of DeForest Residents)

  • Timeline item 11 - complete

    October 18, 2022

    Staff presented survey results (PDF) to the Village Board. Village Board voted to table pool discussion indefinitely or until further funding would become available.

  • Timeline item 12 - complete

    December 3, 2024

    2025-2029 Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (PDF) indicated the community's desire for a municipal pool. There are no current plans to conduct another pool feasibility study.