HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-2013 Feasibility Study Committee Report Report on the 2012 Recreation and Aquatics Feasibility Study for the
RAPAB
"l move to accept the 2012 Recreation and Aquatics Feasibility Study as
presented and direct staff to work with the Recreation and Parks Advisory
Board and return to the Commission with the Board's recommendations
based on tonight's discussion."
This motion was passed by the City Commission at the January 7
Commission meeting. This motion directs the Recreation and Parks
Advisory Board and city staff to look at the 2012 Recreation and Aquatics
Feasibility Study and make recommendations to the City Commission.
The study presented several options for the City to consider. The options
looked at updating existing facilities and/or adding new facilities. Several
options looked at Bogert pool for an upgrade or replacement. It is widely
understood that Bogert Pool is very popular but is on its last legs. In fact it
may be beyond hope.
Bogert Options
Option 1 : Cost $6,463,000
Redesign the whole pool to include a lazy river and splash pad. There
would also be two lanes for lap swimming. The area of the pool would be
7000 sq. ft. The capacity would not be increased. The locker rooms and
entry would be upgraded as well as the deck area. The entrance of the
facility would be moved to face the park, and allow entrance to be at grade
for easier access.
Option 1A: Cost ?
Replace the pool at Bogert without including the splash pad. Will not
increase capacity
Option 4: Cost $8,243,000
Replace Bogert with a 10,000 sq. ft. pool at another location. This pool
would have a lazy river, a splash pool and limited area for lap swimming (3
25 yard lanes). It would also have modern locker rooms and amenities on
the deck for people to relax. The facility would have adequate parking and
there is room for expansion. Missoula makes money on their outdoor pool.
Pros- Easier maintenance?, accommodating to families, other pros?
Cons- Replacing Bogert at Bogert Park does not increase capacity. With a
new Bogert pool there will likely be more use and then we are worse off
than we were to begin with.
- The public meetings and survey indicated that people were
interested in an aquatic facility to provide swim lessons. I am not convinced
that the capacity of swim lessons will increase in this pool design.
- With option 4, to build a new outdoor facility, there is currently no
allocated land.
Swim Center Options
Option 2: Cost $4,730,000
Extend the north end of the Swim Center ten feet and install 2 movable
bulkheads. This would allow the pool to be configured as a 50-meter pool
or as 25 yard or 25 meter pools. It would also allow several activities to go
on at the same time in the pool. The 25-yard pool would allow short course
swim meets to be hosted at the Swim Center. This would bring out of town
swimmers to Bozeman which would be a boost to the economy. To
accommodate spectators at the meets bleachers would be installed along
the east wall of the facility. The west side would be expanded to allow for
storage and other activities. The locker rooms and entrance would be
upgraded.
Option 2A: Cost $3,959,000
Upgrade the Swim Center as indicated in Option 2 but do not lengthen the
pool or install bulkheads.
Pros- We are 100% on board for the Swim Center remodel option 2.
Creating a pool that has a 25-yard option will allow more competitive swim
meets in Bozeman. This is not only good for the local competitive
swimmers, but will attract people to Bozeman that is good for the local
economy. Further, the study says that this option will NOT increase
capacity, which doesn't make sense. Having two 25 yard separated pools
will increase capacity. At least two user groups would be able to use the
pool at one time and the pool could be open for public swimming.
Cons- Bulkheads are not easily moved. The pool would have to be closed
for a minimum of an hour to reconfigure the space. There would need to
be more staff to handle the bulkhead moves.
The extension of ten feet would be to accommodate the addition of
bulkheads. This would not make the pool deeper and so swimmers would
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not be able to dive off them. These would have to be stored at the shallow
end and are not designed to be walked on or used as platforms except for
swim meets. If they were stored in the deep end there would be a danger
of children swimming under them and thus be out of sight of guards. There
may be ways to mitigate this.
The extra pool space and length of building would require re-
plumbing, new air exchangers, new heaters and probably more cost in
utilities as well as reconfiguring ladders, ramp entry and handicapped
access pole. The pool would be out of service for several months.
Aquatic Center Options
Option 3: Cost $27,410,000
Build an aquatics/recreation center with a indoor pool for water activities,
Indoor courts for various sports, a jogging track and exercise rooms. This
would be a state of the art center.
Option 3A: Cost $32,973,000
Add an outdoor pool to Option 3.
Pros/Cons
We don't think the commission will consider this. This facility is way too
expensive and there is clear opposition from the private business sector for
an indoor recreation facility. However, a future partnership with the YMCA
may be an option for getting this facility built.
Questions/Comments/Discussion
The commission said that creativity would be necessary to do any of the
work. Partnering? Private donations? Community involvement/organization
such as Trail Bond work????????
Would like to understand the cost/revenue of each facility better and what
the City is currently paying to support Bogert and the Swim Center. We as
the board should be educated on the cost to the City before making
recommendations.
Fees cover about 50% of the cost for the Swim Center and there is about a
98% return at Bogert according to the Aquatics Director.
If there is a new outdoor aquatic center built, we would like to see some
forethought put into the design. If it is new and not limited to the footprint of
Bogert potentially more lanes for lap swimming and a larger space for swim
lessons and/or have a multiphase plan for developing the facility as
Bozeman grows and needs are expanded.
With the bulkheads, how does Dan see them being used? Dividing the pool
most of the time? Only used for meets?
What is the deal with the YMCA? They would be a really great group to
invite to a meeting so that we can get a full honest picture of their goals,
funding situation etc.
What is the deal with private clubs opposing an indoor recreation facility?
The FROST plan emphasizes that amenities should be accessible to all
members. If a city community/recreational facility were to be built, what
would be the cost of users? What is cost at a private health club? Are
private health clubs accessible to all users? Also, what are the objectives of
a city community recreational facility? What are the objectives of a private
health club vs. a community based, family oriented, program driven center?
We recommend the RAPAB study this report and communicate with City
Staff and the Board Committee so a recommendation can be sent to the
City Commission after our February Meeting.
Julie and Bob
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