4.10. SR 06-29-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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After visiting the city of Anoka pool and meeting with the two consultants on 6/24/98, it is clear in my mind that we cannot possibly give the people what they envision as a pool/family aquatic center for anything less than $1.5-$1.6 million and that ideally we would have between $1.8 and $2 million for this facility (The lower amount of $1.5-$1.6 million would require some city manpower/equipment/funds for such things as the parking lot). If you see the Anoka pool and the brochures on other outdoor aquatic family centers, you can quickly tell that any proposal needs nearly a full package of amenities. Granted we can phase in some amenities such as the sand play area and additional FF&E (lounge chairs, umbrella tables, etc.), but most of the package needs to be done all at once. The package may/should include a large zero depth pool, a slide or two of some type, play apparatus for children, a swimming area (lap pool?), possibly a diving area, the parking lot, landscaped area, a mechanical building for the pool, and the locker room/ concession area. The Anoka facility which was constructed at the site of its old pool was in the $1.9 million range and I am not sure if this included the parking lot or if there were any savings based on the site using the former pool location. I think that if we promote a pool/family aquatic center to the public, what they envision will not be in the $1.1 million range, but will be more in the $1.8 million range. In July, the City Council will need to make a decision on how large the bond referendum should be and/or if it should proceed. If the goal is to keep the total at a lower amount and yet provide the pool/family aquatic center that most everyone envisions, then the city, as difficult as this may be, would have to come up with some discretionary funds to add to the pool project. It may be best to simply present information on a larger project ($2.8-$2.9 million) to the public for a vote and if they want it, then we build it. The preferred site for the pool/family aquatic center continues to be in Orono Park, but no recommendation for an exact location has been discussed. No decision is being requested by the City Council at this meeting, but Park and Recreation Commission Chair Dana Anderson and Street/Park Superintendent Phil Hals will be in attendance to discuss some of the new information available and some of the feelings of the Commission.