A group of volunteers operating under the name of Fountain Hills Pool Coalition has revived the idea of building an indoor competition-regulation community pool and basketball gymnasium.

Spokeswoman Pamela Trompeter Aguilu said the committee, formed within the last three weeks, picked up momentum once the concept appeared on social media.

Aguilu admits that some interest was prompted by the Crystal Lagoon proposal for Fountain Park. A feasibility study to create a beach/swimming lagoon as part of Fountain Lake has been approved.

“In Fountain Hills, it’s possible to have a Crystal Lagoon and a pool. It’s not an either or,” said Aguilu, emphasizing the two projects would be completely different.

The reality of the coalition’s pool concept is two to three years away, she said.

“Our plan is for this pool and recreation complex to be built by way of private donations and grants,” she explained. She is the mother of two sons who swam competitively when the family lived in the state of Washington.

The eight-lane, Olympic-size competition pool also would have a kiddie pool.

Once built, the pool would sell memberships to cover operating expenses. Securing an organization, such as the YMCA, to provide administrative services could be a possibility.

Involved on the planning committee of eight members is a developer who is providing advice because he believes the pool would be a community asset. She identified two other coalition members as a former competitive swimmer and real estate agent.

“This would bring in people who might not normally visit Fountain Hills. They could rent hotel rooms, eat at local restaurants and shop at our local stores,” she said.

Private donations and grants would support the proposed project. Aguilu said the next step will be creating a 501 (c3) organization to raise funds and find a suitable building site. Preliminary architect’s drawings and construction estimates would follow.

By including a multi-use basketball/gymnasium in the proposal, the community would gain a year-round venue for competitive tournaments and recreational teams for basketball, volleyball and badminton.

“We are forming committees so that we can involve as many Fountain Hills citizens as possible,” she said.

Once the group receives 501 (c3) status, locating a suitable site and determining the building footprint would be the next objective, said Aguilu. The committee will review possible properties that could be leased or donated to the group.

A central location close to businesses and visitor destinations would be ideal, she said.

The coalition can be reached on its Facebook page or email at fhpoolcoalition@gmail.com.

Previous attempts to build an aquatic center have been unsuccessful. Three years ago, pool supporters explored building an aquatic center with the school district.

In 1996, voters rejected a $1.95 million bond issue to construct an aquatic center.