Proposed Fargo pool needs commitments

WEST FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Officials working on a proposed $7 million pool and diving well in Fargo are seeking a commitment by the West Fargo School District to use the facility.

Urban Plains, which opened a hockey arena last year, announced plans for an adjacent pool last November. The group has designs and funding for the 50-meter pool and diving well but needs groups such as the school district to commit to using the privately owned, privately funded facility.

Urban Plains Real Estate Developer Matt Baasch says the project won't survive unless potential users come forward. He says local colleges and the West Fargo Flyers Club Swimming teams have expressed interest in using the Urban Plains pool, though West Fargo Schools would be the primary user.

If school officials approve a leasing agreement, crews could break ground by next year for the pool, which could then open as soon as fall 2011.

Earlier this year, Fargo School District officials passed on participating in the project.