9. 24-0089 Consideration of Begg Pool Modernization Study Findings and Conceptual Design Options (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
(Estimated Time: 1 Hr.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
I support Option 1 and strongly oppose Option 2. This location is in a residential neighborhood - the traffic impacts will be enormous. We’ve already seen traffic increase as the Concerts in the Park have gained in attendance. Access from south of the facility via Peck is already congested, with scarce parking as the residences on Peck and 12th in this area are multi-family. Additionally, Begg Field is a large area of Permeable Space that absorbs rainwater before it flows into Polliwog Pond - MB talks about being “green” yet we often don't make our decisions with the environment in mind. Some residents may “want” a larger pool, but we definitely don’t “need” a giant aquatic facility at Begg Field. I invite those who see Option 2 as viable to come visit the site, drive down 15th St from Meadows School to Peck, then come to the north side and have a look at Begg Field from Peck near 18th St. It will be clear to those who spend time here that it’s not suited for a large aquatic facility.
I favor Opt 1 and oppose Opt 2. A second pool is not appropriate for this location and spending $42.5 million (including parking updates on Peck) to improve property the city doesn't own seems like a poor decision. According to the survey, recreational water play is the most common pool activity and 72% of households had not visited the pool in the last two years. Does this show wide community support for a 2nd pool and increasing the operating expense from $650,000 to $1.8 million per year? If our small community needs an additional competition capable pool, a feasibility study should be completed to assess projected usage and the impact on traffic, parking, and noise for this site and the surrounding neighborhoods. Marine Ave sports complex is a better alternative where a competition pool is inline with that park's current usage. Locating a competition pool in an area of Polliwog Park with access issues, limited parking and nearby neighbors is just asking for ongoing conflict
I am very much in favor of Option 2, the two-pool concept. This community desperately needs this pool complex to meet its needs and simply refurbishing the existing meager and out-of-date pool will not suffice.
I support Option 1 and strongly oppose Option 2. This location is in a residential neighborhood - the traffic impacts will be enormous. We’ve already seen traffic increase as the Concerts in the Park have gained in attendance. Access from south of the facility via Peck is already congested, with scarce parking as the residences on Peck and 12th in this area are multi-family. Additionally, Begg Field is a large area of Permeable Space that absorbs rainwater before it flows into Polliwog Pond - MB talks about being “green” yet we often don't make our decisions with the environment in mind. Some residents may “want” a larger pool, but we definitely don’t “need” a giant aquatic facility at Begg Field. I invite those who see Option 2 as viable to come visit the site, drive down 15th St from Meadows School to Peck, then come to the north side and have a look at Begg Field from Peck near 18th St. It will be clear to those who spend time here that it’s not suited for a large aquatic facility.
I favor Opt 1 and oppose Opt 2. A second pool is not appropriate for this location and spending $42.5 million (including parking updates on Peck) to improve property the city doesn't own seems like a poor decision. According to the survey, recreational water play is the most common pool activity and 72% of households had not visited the pool in the last two years. Does this show wide community support for a 2nd pool and increasing the operating expense from $650,000 to $1.8 million per year? If our small community needs an additional competition capable pool, a feasibility study should be completed to assess projected usage and the impact on traffic, parking, and noise for this site and the surrounding neighborhoods. Marine Ave sports complex is a better alternative where a competition pool is inline with that park's current usage. Locating a competition pool in an area of Polliwog Park with access issues, limited parking and nearby neighbors is just asking for ongoing conflict
I am very much in favor of Option 2, the two-pool concept. This community desperately needs this pool complex to meet its needs and simply refurbishing the existing meager and out-of-date pool will not suffice.