Benton County’s Board of Commissioners has approved a grant of up to $100,000 for planned improvements to a public pool center in Corvallis.
The Osborn Aquatic Center is jointly operated by the City of Corvallis and the Corvallis school district.
It is used recreationally and for regional swim team training and competitions. “Osborn Aquatic Center plays an important role in our community’s health and economy,” said Board Chair Nancy Wyse.
The center receives an estimated 230,000 visitors each year.
The grant comes one year after the center closed when a maintenance assessment found corrosion on the steel of the center’s roof.
The City hired a company to secure the roof and prevent collapse, and the center reopened in March of this year.
Still, additional concerns were raised about the pool’s infrastructure. Board Chair Nancy Wyse said the grant recognizes the value and future of the center.
She also cited budget and funding source cuts across the County, but emphasized the importance of investing in public resources to show that “Benton County is committed to supporting partnerships that benefit our communities.”
