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Swimming pool study committee to report to city council Monday
After months of careful study of all kinds of facilities ranging from a conventional pool to a year-round indoor water recreation and teaching facility, the committee settled on the outdoor family aquatic center as best suited for the city's needs and capabilities. The proposed facility, as designed by Markey and Associates, would include a six-lane competition pool with wings to accommodate a shallow instructional area on one side and a large water slide on the other side. Also included would be a zero-depth-entry spray/ splash area and wading pool, plus a building to house the necessary changing rooms, restrooms, and concession stand. The committee's work was culminated last week following the return and evaluation of a feasibility study conducted by Markey that pointed to the family center as the best option. The study showed that a smaller facility without the added features would probably not attract enough attendance to warrant construction and operation. At the other end of the spectrum, the study indicated that a year-round indoor facility could not be supported by the population base in this area. The Markey report never made a definitive recommendation, however, its figures showed that, based on its own attendance projections, the aquatic center could work financially. Beyond the construction costs of about $2.7 million ($3.8 million for an indoor facility), operational expenses for a 90-day season were estimated at about $200,000. Markey's attendance projection at an open rate of $5.00 per visit showed revenues slightly higher than that. However, the committee did not agree with the report's outline of attendance. The Markey report said, "There may be a strong sentiment for providing a facility for residents only; but ... the best service AND economic choice for Washington residents is a facility that is large enough and diverse enough to serve the greater service area. A site that is convenient for both residents and non-residents would be preferred." Drawing from that greater service area, the report projected attendance at 43,800 for the season, with only 24 percent coming from Wilkes County. At almost 500 in attendance per day, that figure seemed high and the committee investigated further on its own. A phone call to the YMCA in Augusta revealed that attendance at its family aquatic center averages about 400 per day. Therefore, it was the feeling of the committee that expected attendance might be 200 per day, "at the very most."
Markey's projections by county are as follows: "There may be fiscal validity [in the policy] that the project be designed to serve only residents of Washington," the Markey report said. "but if the park is to provide the maximum recreational opportunity at the best revenue/expense outcome, then the service area should be maximized." The committee's recommendation is expected to be made at the regular meeting of the Washington City Council next Monday, September 10, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. It will then be up to the Council to determine whether and how to proceed with the project. Markey and Associates is the firmwhich, in 1997, worked with the Washington-Wilkes Parks and Recreation Department to develop a master plan for "Academy Park," the property on Lexington Avenue adjacent to the Pope Convention Center.
Members of the pool study committee are Mike Eskew, chairman; Eddie Finnell; Pam Eaton; Rev. G.L. Avery; Debbie Danner; and Sparky Newsome.
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