| 03/31/2007 |
| Ames pool draft study released |
| By Jeff Raasch , Staff Writer |
Consultants from RDG Planning and Design in Des Moines tested the two sites and provided three designs for pools in a study. They ranged in cost from $7.3 million to $8.2 million. Two of the options included 25-yard, 8-lane lap areas with adjacent recreational areas. One included a 500-foot "lazy river." The other had no river, but more recreational pool space. "The consultants are telling us that (a lazy river) is one of the main features to have, for the 'fun factor,'" Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Carroll said. A third option would be a 50-meter, 8-lane lap area and a 10,000 square-foot recreational area. Each of the designs included two water slides, two toddler slides, sprays and shady areas. To operate, the aquatic center would cost the city between $40,000 and $75,000 annually, the consultants determined. Carroll said she has been told that a $7 million bond issue would increase property taxes by about $17 annually, per $100,000 of assessed valuation. An anticipated fee schedule in the study has single daily admission at $4 for adult residents and $3 for youth and seniors. Non-residents would be charged $5 and $3.75, respectively. Season passes would run $85 for adult residents and $55 for youth and seniors, according to the study. The City Council retained the consultants to study the land north 13th Street and east of Squaw Creek and a site east of the middle school in January. Carroll said consultants planned for a summer population of 45,000, with about 10,000 of those being Iowa State University students who stay in the city. The consultants determined that the aquatics facility should be able to accommodate 1,200 people, which requires 20,000 square feet of surface water. Carroll told the commission Friday that it would be ideal to vote on the bond issue this July, so that most of the construction could be finished in 2008 and the city could have its first swimming season at the new pool in 2009. To have a November vote would force the project to be bid in the spring of 2008, potentially, and would force construction to stray into 2009, she said. Carroll said she realizes it would be a tight schedule, but said it could cost $500,000 more to wait until November for the vote, due to the increased costs of materials. The Ames Parks and Recreation Commission got its first glimpse at the study Friday. Two members voiced at least some support for the July vote. "I think we could make an argument for the July vote, because, frankly, students don't vote," Commissioner Erv Klaas said. "Those that are here in the summer would have a vested interest." Four public meetings have been scheduled in April to discuss the study and generate feedback about a pool. "I think it's our job to gather reaction, and the pros and cons," Commission chairman Dave Benson said. Jeff Raasch can be reached at 232-2161, Ext. 343, or jraasch@amestrib.com. Pool options Consultants from RDG Planning and Design in Des Moines have outlined three pool designs for Ames: Option 1 * 25-yard/8-lane 4,500-square-foot lap area. * 10,500-square-foot recreational area. * 5,000-square-foot lazy river. * Cost: $8.2 million (13th Street) or $7.9 million (middle school). * Operational subsidy: $40,000. Option 2 * 25-yard/8-lane 4,500-square-foot lap area. * 15,500-square-foot recreational area. * Cost: $7.7 million (13th Street) or $7.3 million (middle school). * Operational subsidy: $65,000. Option 3 * 50-meter/8-lane 10,000-square-foot lap area. * 10,000-square-foot recreational area. * Cost: $7.8 million (13th Street) or $7.5 million (middle school). * Operational subsidy: $75,000. Pool on 13th Street would cost $325,000 more Vote could be held as soon as July. Attend a 'Pool Party' The community is invited to learn more about the consultants' study and discuss the idea of a new aquatic center at four public meetings in April. Each meeting is planned to last 90 minutes. * April 12 - 7 p.m. at Meeker Elementary School. * April 17 - 7 p.m. at Ames Middle School. * April 25 - 12 p.m. at Ames Public Library. * April 27 - 7:30 a.m. at Ames City Hall.
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