A Lexington firm has been chosen to help determine if an indoor pool complex is feasible for Leitchfield.

The city’s Tourism Commission voted Tuesday, March 27, to hire Murphy.Graves Architects to conduct a professional architectural and engineering study to get a better feel for actual costs for building the type of pool complex it wants.

In December, the commission had rejected a $3 million-plus bid from Glasgow, Ky.-based Alliance Corp. to design and build a pool complex, in major part because they had wanted to keep the price tag at or below $2.8 million.

Under the new plan, if Murphy.Graves’ numbers work into the commission’s budget, it will then seek bids on designing the complex.

The commission’s building consultant, Ben Johnson, said the project description mirrors the previous one: a minimum six-lane pool, seating for 200 people, and aquatic recreational areas for children ages 3-12 with sprinklers, slides and other equipment. Their design specifications also called for separate restroom/lockers/showers facilities for men and women, office and vending space, and a reception area.

After advertising for proposals in January, the commission received nine responses. They had narrowed the field to three finalists, who made proposals before a commission sub-committee on Monday.

Johnson has said the feasibility study would likely cost about $10,000. If it indicates the project is affordable, the commission could then have the firm do a full architectural and engineering plan, which could likely cost about $100,000 more.

In 2011 the commission, with the help of the city council, bought 30.55 acres across from the existing Carroll Gibson Boulevard, off Wallace Avenue. Together with the city and the Grayson County School District, it plans on developing a recreational complex on the property that will include a swimming pool, four ball fields, a possible amphitheater, and a cross-country path.

The land purchase was funded through a bond sale, handled through Leitchfield. Revenue from the city’s restaurant tax will be used to repay those bonds, as well as helping pay for the recreational complex.

Also Tuesday, the commission received two grant requests. The Grayson County Alliance is seeking $9,820 to help cover start-up expenses for its planned “Art in the Park” fundraiser in May 2013, and the Leitchfield Baseball Fundraiser Committee is asking for $3,630 to help pay for infield signs promoting restaurants in the city. The goal, said director Chad Woodcock, is to give those visiting the city for games or tournaments an idea of what food options are available.

The commission took both requests under advisement.