Ouray Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed $10-12M Pool House Design

Architects and parks officials face mixed reactions from community on plans for new facility at Ouray Hot Springs Pool.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Ouray County residents recently attended an open house to provide feedback on the proposed design for a new $10-12 million pool house at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. The design generated a mixture of reactions, with residents expressing a wide range of opinions on what the facility should look like and how it should be used.

Why it matters

The pool house project has been a long-standing issue in the community, with ongoing debates over how to manage, finance and utilize the aging facility. The open house revealed the diverse perspectives residents have on the future of this important community asset.

The details

During the open house, Ouray Parks and Recreation Director Joe Brown and architects presented the proposed pool house design to around 50 attendees. Residents peppered the officials with questions and feedback, voicing a broad spectrum of opinions on the project. Some praised the design, while others raised concerns about the cost and functionality of the new facility.

  • The open house was held on February 23, 2026.
  • The proposed pool house could cost $10 million to $12 million to construct.

The players

John Nixon

An Ouray resident who attended the open house.

Joe Brown

The Ouray Parks and Recreation Director.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Ouray City Council will need to review the proposed pool house design and consider the community feedback before making a decision on how to proceed with the project.

The takeaway

The open house revealed the diverse perspectives Ouray residents have on the future of the Ouray Hot Springs Pool facility, highlighting the need for the city to carefully balance community needs and concerns as they move forward with the pool house project.