The Consulting Engineers Council of Iowa awards are given to engineering firms participating in projects that are judged to meet the Owner’s need for the project and demonstrate “Originality, Uniqueness and New Applications of Existing Technology”. The projects must also add to the “Technical Value of the Engineering Profession: and must consider “Social and Economic Factors” as well as be of a complex nature. The award was given to Kuehl & Payer, Ltd. of Storm Lake for their role in the planning, design, and construction administration for the renovation and reconstruction of the Municipal Swimming Pool project recently completed for the City of Rock Rapids.
The project was initiated by the City of Rock Rapids because of deterioration of the existing pool complex that was completed in the late 1950’s. Little had been done to upgrade the facility since it had been constructed. The pool was losing approximately 80,000 gallons of water per day at the start of the 2000 season. This along with deterioration of the bathhouse and swimming pool structure was unacceptable to the City of Rock Rapids. The City retained Kuehl & Payer, Ltd. of Storm Lake to offer alternatives and recommendations for the renovation and/or replacement of the existing facility. Kuehl & Payer, Ltd. recommended a renovation and reconstruction program that met the City budget and provided an upgrade to Aquatic Center status for the existing pool complex.