A Project Built For The Community
When Bluffton’s aging pool first came up for discussion, the idea wasn’t born in a boardroom. It started in a parking lot in July of 2024. Conor Jackson had been thinking about buying a car when he ran into Scott Mentzer, Mayor of Bluffton. Minutes later, Mentzer called with a question that would shape the next two years: How would the company feel about taking on a Build Operate Transfer renovation for the city’s pool and recreation space?
The timing was right. The original pool had served families for nearly fifty years. Its liner was failing, the building was reaching the end of its life, and yet the memories attached to that space were countless. Swim meets, summer birthdays, long afternoons with neighbors, and a place where any kid could show up without worrying about the cost.
The goal for the new facility was simple. Keep it affordable. Keep it walkable. Keep it rooted in the community. Create a space that welcomes every age group and stays true to what residents have always loved about it.
As a Wells County company with projects far beyond the county line, being selected for this work meant something more. Through the BOT process and the interview stage, James S. Jackson Company was given the ability to shape the project with local involvement in mind. That meant bringing in subcontractors from Bluffton and the surrounding area and keeping as much of the spending local as possible. Right now, more than forty five percent of the project cost is staying with nearby companies.
For Conor, who has been in construction for fifteen years, this project stands out. The combination of local support, strong leadership from public officials, and a clear vision created momentum from the start.
Building on a Tight Timeline
Once the old pool closed on August fourth, the schedule became the biggest challenge. The new facility is planned to open by Memorial Day of 2026, giving the team a compressed window that moves straight through the toughest months to build in Indiana.
An eight million dollar project in roughly eight months is a demanding pace for any contractor, but the team has kept progress steady. Regular project meetings, clear communication, and a commitment to moving forward without pause have kept the work on schedule. As Conor joked, the industry is famous for projects that start and finish on completely different timelines. This one has stayed on track from day one.
The Craft Behind the New Facility
Although the company is leading the project in a construction management role, the pool itself brings a level of technical detail that makes it unlike anything else in the area.
The design includes water slides, a ninja warrior style obstacle course, climbing walls, a diving area, and a zero entry play zone for younger children. The pool structure features lifetime warranty wall panels, adding long term value to the investment. It is a facility that blends recreation, safety, and durability in a way that serves both families and the city’s long term plans.
Working With Local Leadership
Partnership with the city, the parks department, and other local leaders has played a major role in shaping the project. The relationship has been positive throughout, and the parks department has already shared how smooth the experience has been. That type of collaboration is not guaranteed on a large public project, and it has helped maintain a clear direction as construction continues.
Community Support That Stands Out
When asked what has surprised him most, Conor didn’t hesitate. The community support has been overwhelming. Large public investments often bring questions or criticism, especially when tax dollars are involved. In this case, the reaction has been the opposite. Residents have donated, shared encouragement, and voiced their excitement as progress continues.
That support reinforces the purpose behind the project. This facility is being built for the same people who grew up using the original pool and for the next generation who will make their own memories there.
A Different Kind of Project for the Company
Compared to other community projects the company has delivered, this one stands apart. Public pool builds are uncommon, and the scope and visibility of this facility make it very different from a typical municipal job. The team takes on a wide range of projects, and that variety allows them to bring fresh thinking and experience to work that directly benefits the communities they serve.
Looking Ahead
As construction continues through 2025 and into 2026, the focus remains steady. The team is working to meet the tight deadline, honor the vision set by community leaders, and deliver a place the residents of Bluffton can take pride in.
When the gates open in 2026, success will be defined by something simple. Families walking in with the same excitement felt fifty years ago, knowing this space was built for them. Take a full look at what the Wells County Pool Project will look like in 2026!
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