Groundbreaking ceremony for new pool

“It is a special day for Lyons,” stated Mayor Andy Fuston at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Lyons pool on Tuesday Many people came to the ceremony, including Lyons-Decatur Northeast elementary students. “Lyons is a community on the move, embracing the future,” Mayor Fuston continued. “This goes to show Lyons can accomplish anything it wants to.

The new pool has been a work in progress for quite some time, including a town hall meeting held approximately a year ago. An estimated crowd of 40 citizens attended the town hall meeting, very enthusiastic about the prospect of a new pool. A 2.1 million dollar bond was then voted on and passed by the citizens of Lyons, which put the wheels in motion for construction of a new pool.

“I am so proud of the community. 2.1 million is a lot to commit to. We (Lyons) don’t back down from adversity or challenges,” Mayor Fuston said. “We are building our future, making Lyons a better place to work, live and play. Let’s get started.”

City Council members Roger Andersen, Lana Minton, Allen Steinmeyer and Charlie Wheaton were also on hand to share in the special day. “I use to swim here back in the day. There is a date on the old pool, 1933. I have been on the city council for over ten years. This project was a long time coming,” Lana stated. “A pool brings people into the community. Thanks for coming out.”

Roger Andersen also addressed the crowd. “I was on the council in the 70’s and 80’s and the old pool was faulty at that time. I am glad we voted to put the new pool in,” Roger said.

Kevin Prior of Olsson Associates was also at the ceremony. He introduced many of the other people that will be involved in constructing the new pool. Eriksen Construction of  and Jensen’s Plumbing of Lyons and Dick’s Electric of Blair are among those involved in building the pool.

Kevin asked if anyone from the crowd wished to speak. Keyton Kampa, one of the students in attendance, took the microphone. “The community survived, thank you.”

The event concluded with the mayor and city council, shovels in hand, breaking the ground where the pool will be.

Two students, Brennan Ferguson and Chad Christoffersen, also broke the ground with the mayor and Joel Ries, one of the many individuals constructing the new pool.

The new pool will be opened to the public in the summer of 2014.

City Council member Roger Andersen, Mayor Andy Fuston, City Council member Lana Minton, City Council President Allen Steinmeyer and City Council Member Charlie Wheaton break ground for the new pool.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub

Members of the community at the groundbreaking for the new pool.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub

Mayor Andy Fuston, Brennan Ferguson, Chad Christoffersen and Joel Ries breaking ground for the new pool.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

When asked who was excited about a new pool, the kids screamed and raised their hands!
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

Keyton Kampa addressing the crowd.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

Kevin Prior of Olsson and Associates addressing the crowd.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

Council member Lana Minton speaks to the crowd at the groundbreaking.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

Council Member Roger Andersen shares his thoughts on the new pool at the groundbreaking.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

Mayor Andy Fuston begins the groundbreaking ceremony, saying it is a special day for Lyons.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

When Nicholas Tolle was asked if he was excited about the new pool, he said “Yes because I get to come every day!”
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.