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City of Grosse Pointe Farms Pier Park Pool Renovation Project Subject: Summary of Special Joint Committee Meeting Date of Meeting: September 23, 2025 Location: Pier Park Community Building Committees: Parks and Harbor Committee & Ad Hoc Pool Committee Prepared for: Grosse Pointe Farms City Council ________________________________________ Meeting Purpose On September 23, 2025, the Parks and Harbor Committee and the Ad Hoc Pool Committee convened a joint meeting to review and discuss revised conceptual plans for the Pier Park pool renovation project. These revisions were developed in response to public feedback received during the August 19 community meeting. The committees also considered additional input from residents and voted on whether to advance the updated plan to City Council for preliminary site plan approval. ________________________________________ Presentation Summary City Manager Shane Reeside and design consultant Sue Grissim (Grissim Metz Andriese Associates) presented the revised site plan, highlighting changes made to address community concerns and improve functionality, aesthetics, and accessibility. ________________________________________ Key Revisions Presented • Lazy River Removed The lazy river was eliminated due to concerns about cost, safety, staffing, and practicality. It was replaced with a “conversation cove” featuring bench seating and water jets. • Lap Lanes Extended The recreation pool’s lap lanes were lengthened to 25 meters to match the competition pool, enhancing usability for lap swimmers and instructional programming. • Splash Pad Reinstated The splash pad was reintroduced outside the pool fence, allowing for extended seasonal use and independent access when the pool is closed. • Shaded Lawn Area Expanded A 1,200 sq. ft. shaded lawn area was added near the beach, with a curved design to soften the landscape and improve usability. • Bathhouse Enhancements The revised plan included additional lockers, restrooms, and family changing rooms. The second floor of the bathhouse remained under consideration for future programming. • Accessibility and Safety Improvements The plan incorporated ramp and step access, improved lifeguard sightlines, and infrastructure planning to support potential year-round use (e.g., future tenting). ________________________________________ Committee Feedback and Action Committee members expressed strong support for the revised plan and commended the administration and design team for incorporating public input. Following discussion, the Parks and Harbor Committee unanimously approved a motion to: • Recommend the revised conceptual site plan to City Council for preliminary site plan approval. • Authorize administration to begin preparations to hire a construction manager and proceed with detailed design and construction documentation. ________________________________________ Public Comment Summary More than 20 residents provided public comment during the meeting. Key themes included: • Appreciation for Responsiveness Residents expressed gratitude for the city’s efforts to incorporate community feedback into the revised design. • Concerns About Grass on the Beach Several residents opposed adding grass to the beach area, citing maintenance challenges and sand contamination. • Tree Preservation There was strong support for protecting mature trees and planting long-term canopy species. • Deck Space and Seating Residents emphasized the importance of maintaining or expanding deck space for lounge chairs and swim meet spectators. • Tot Lot and Splash Pad Improvements Suggestions were made to reconfigure the tot lot for better use of space and to ensure shaded seating near the splash pad. • Accessibility Enhancements Residents requested stroller-friendly and ADA-compliant entrances, including push-button doors. • Future Enhancements There was interest in adding a fitness space, improved lighting, and a high dive. • Construction Timing Some residents recommended delaying construction until after the 250th U.S. anniversary in summer 2026. • Year-Round Use Many supported planning infrastructure to allow for future pool tenting and winter use. • Competition Pool Access There was widespread concern about the potential early closure of the competition pool in August due to lifeguard shortages. ________________________________________ Next Steps • Present the revised plan to City Council for preliminary site plan approval. • Finalize detailed design and construction documents. • Begin construction in spring 2026, pending Council approval and funding. ________________________________________ Conclusion The September 23 meeting demonstrated a collaborative and transparent planning process. The revised plan reflects a thoughtful balance of community priorities, operational needs, and long-term vision. Council’s review and direction will be essential as the project advances toward implementation. ________________________________________
