A plan to convert the existing structure of the former swimming pool into a recreation area was put on hold after an early estimate indicated it could cost more than $46,000 to remove the timber purlins and girts.
However, Marjorie Hay, of Lawrence, said the estimate was "over the top".
She believed removing the roof and walls to expose the pool’s wooden beams would not cost more than $30,000.
"We’re still working on final figures."
Mrs Hay said she was excited the Lawrence Heritage Trust had agreed to put the project on a priority list so it could help with fundraising.
She had had a new design concept produced which showed the potential of the garden.
"I had that done so the community, the fundraisers and people would have a good visualisation of what I envision."
She said the pool’s existing beams were an artwork in their own right and should be preserved.
"Everybody wants to just rip [the arches] down but really it’s a beautiful sculpture."
Once the walls and roof were removed, the pools would be filled in with earth.
The site, at the entrance to the town, could serve as a "beautiful" welcome, Mrs Hay said.
She wanted to sell the concept to residents because she was confident the town could raise the money needed.
"Our community is amazing and we could have the whole thing ripped down in a day."
But a garden is not the only suggestion for the site. At a recent Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board meeting, members discussed building a skate park there.
Mrs Hay said there was a possibility both the skate park and the garden could co-exist on the same site.
The larger pool could be converted to the skate park and still preserve the arches.
Community board chairman Geoff Davidson said he supported Mrs Hay’s concept if it was done right.
He also liked the idea of a skate park but the outcome would depend on support of the public.
He was concerned about the cost to ratepayers.
Mrs Hay said the project needed to progress as the pool roof was falling apart and it was an eyesore in its present state.
