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Commissioners cite grant funds, accessibility needs as push for expanded aquatic center
Summary
Parks commissioners highlighted grant-funded work for the pool liner and universal changing rooms and reiterated broad community demand for an expanded Aquatic Recreation Center. They also noted opportunities for adaptive-recreation partnerships and flagged registration-access issues with Active Net that limit sign-ups for swim programs.
Parks commissioners told the joint study session that grant funding will pay for specific improvements at the pool and that an expanded Aquatic Recreation Center remains a high community priority.
"One of the things that is really great is this grant for the aquatic facilities for the pool liner, but also for the changing rooms to make those little, like, bathroom things in the lobby universal changing rooms," Laura Morrissey, chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, said. Commissioners said adding universal changing rooms will give parents and people who need private changing options a space at the pool that currently does not exist.
Commissioners described the pool and related programs as heavily used: "The events are attended. The classes are attended. The athletic fields are full. The swimming pool is full," Morrissey said, stressing demand as a rationale for investment.
Wes King, a parks commissioner, said he has spoken with regional organizations, such as the Paralyzed Veterans of America, that are interested in partnering for adaptive programs if an expanded facility is available.
Commissioners also raised technical access barriers to participation. Morrissey noted a registration issue in the recreation software: "If I search for swimming lessons in Active Net, I will get no results. I have to type in learn to swim." The parks department plans to convene a focus group of users to identify fixes and improve searchability.
No formal action was taken. Staff said grant-funded pool work and planning for a broader aquatic facility would continue as funding and planning allow.
