Hot Stuff About Swimming Pools 2003

It’s the time of year to begin preparing for summer activities and, like last year, the December issue of Public Management (PM) magazine contains a section on swimming pools that are owned and operated by local governments. In the July issue, managers were invited to share pool stories and photos. Here are the contributions that the magazine received.
Atlanta, Georgia
On July 4, 2002, the Chastain Park Pool reopened under public/private partnership with the city of Atlanta. Now called the North Atlanta Swim Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, a group of community volunteers oversees the operation of the facility.
Chastain Park pool is located among 158 acres of green space that includes a public golf course and tennis courts, horse park, exercise path, nature trails, recreation center/ gym, playground, picnic areas, and ball fields. During the past five years, much of the area has been revitalized. The pool, however, was neglected and was shut down in early 2002 by the city.
The North Atlanta Swim Association (NASA) was formed to promote aquatic sports/safety, and its first initiative was to “save the pool.” NASA obtained the lease for the pool and grounds by unanimous vote of the Atlanta City Council and support of the mayor’s office.
Through hundreds of volunteer hours beginning in late spring 2002, the pool and grounds were repaired, cleaned, and spruced up. A professional pool management company was hired and the pool reopened on July 4 with a budget of $50,000 for the remainder of the summer.

Chastain Park Pool in Atlanta, Georgia, is run by a public/private partnership.
This past spring saw numerous improvements. The fencing has been upgraded, grounds have been landscaped by volunteers, new outdoor lights were donated by a corporation, shower facilities were improved, pool furniture was contributed by an apartment complex, and concession refrigerators were provided by neighbors. The list of improvements goes on.
Chastain Pool now has a swim team called the Tidal Waves. Although some 70 swimmers were expected to sign up, when the number hit 185 it became clear the community was eager to support this neighborhood facility. Swim lessons are provided for children and adults, underscoring the concern for safety.
The pool is unique for several reasons. First, it is huge—with 520,000 gallons of water! Divided into three sections, it has an extremely large deep end, eight 25-yard lap lanes in the middle, and a gradually declining shallow end.
Second, this is one of the few pools in the Atlanta area that is run by a public/private partnership. NASA offers memberships to families, individuals, and senior citizens, and it is free to the public for limited hours.
Even though the first season opened late, 185 households joined and 7,000 swimmers came through the gates. This season, there were 250 household memberships and almost double the number of attendees. Counted in these numbers are day camps, including Camp Best Friends, a program for inner-city children run by the city of Atlanta.
The pool, which was built in the 1930s, has a rich history. There is a legend among native Atlantans that the pool is spring fed. In the 1950s, the best swimmers from Havana, Cuba, competed with Atlanta in the “Havlanta Games” in this facility.
People who grew up swimming in this pool are grateful to see it revitalized and used by many families and lap swimmers again. NASA is committed to continuing its progress and providing quality programs for the community.
Caroline King, Executive Director, carolineking@northatlantaswim.org, www.northatlantaswim.org, 404/841-9196
Greater Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
Opened in 1997, Aquamoves is an approximately $6.5 million indoor aquatics and leisure center that incorporates an existing outdoor pool complex. Located on the western foreshore of the Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton, the center provides visitors with a complete range of facilities.
The indoor wet area within the complex incorporates an eight-lane, 25-meter heated pool; a 25-meter heated leisure pool with beach entry; rapid river feature and water slide; and a 10-meter by 5-meter hydrotherapy pool with hoist, ramp, and steps. Other features of the indoor wet area include large and small spas, a sauna, two family change rooms, and female and male change rooms.
Dry activity areas provided within the center include a fully equipped gymnasium, electronic exercise room, aerobics room, and an “RPM” room that provides space for 15-person stationary bicycle classes.
Outdoor exercise is accommodated through the center with the provision of an outdoor 50-meter, eight-lane pool that is solar heated and is complemented by extensive grassed areas and clubrooms used by the Shepparton Life Saving Club and Shepparton Swimming Club. An 85-meter by 55-meter free-form outdoor pool with beach entry fronts the eastern side of the center, with male and female change rooms and kiosk facilities situated nearby. The complex also offers a separate pool for diving with a 3-meter diving tower.
Services are provided within Aquamoves to complement the aquatic and leisure facilities available. A café and dining area allows visitors to relax and acts as a central meeting point. The reception and foyer area provides users with up-to-date information on such things as class times and membership details and also stocks a selection of fitness gear that is available for purchase. A crèche, masseur room, and meeting room are provided for Aquausers and the public.
When Aquamoves began operation, the city leased it to a privately operated leisure management company for a period of five years. At the expiration of the contract, it was decided to implement a combined model of management where the city directly managed staff, maintenance, childcare center, and customer service areas. The provision of services to the wet and dry areas, cleaning, and café continued to be contracted out.

An indoor/outdoor aquatic center is operated by Greater Shepparton, Victoria, Australia.
The city’s decision to operate the facility under this management structure was based on its ability to provide specific services—customer service, asset maintenance, and financial management—while the private contractor had previous experience administering and providing staff to conduct aerobics, gymnasium, learn-to-swim, and lifeguard programs.
The concept of a combined model of management was successfully tested during a 12-month period before specific tender documents for the various operational components were finalized. The tender process resulted in the contractor being awarded the contract for the management and operation of the Aquamoves wet and dry service areas.
During the trial period and subsequent awarding of the contract, Aquamoves has been operating in a most successful manner:
•	Expenditure has been contained and revenue has increased, significantly reducing the council’s operational subsidy of the center (44 percent decrease in the average subsidy for the past four years). 
•	Memberships and attendances (348,914) increased by approximately 16 percent last year. 
Aquamoves is an outstanding regional aquatic facility that now is reaching its potential in providing a diverse range of leisure and recreation benefits and services through a combined and innovative local government and private sector partnership.
Bill Jaboor, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Shepparton City Council, bill.jaboor@shepparton.vic.gov.au 
Ocala, Florida
For 52 years, Ocala, Florida, operated two pool facilities. Each facility included a large bathhouse, mechanical room, standard 25-yard pool, small slide, and wading pool. By 1998, the pools developed maintenance problems, forcing the closure of one pool in 2000. Attendance had fallen to an all-time low and programs were limited. The “box style” pools provided no play structures, shade areas, or the aquatic activities sought by today’s youth and families.
With the city council’s blessing, the recreation and park staff began the process of building two new aquatic facilities, which were opened this past summer. Staff researched and developed the plans to be distinctive, user friendly, and fun. The budget for the two Aquatic Fun Centers was $1.9 million. One of the older pools was demolished and a new fun center built on the site; the second pool was relocated east of the city in Jervey Gantt Park.
Most of the budget was spent on the pools, play structures, and shade amenities. Research had shown that few patrons used pool buildings because they generally come already dressed to swim. The philosophy of “spending more on having fun in the sun” would ensure the biggest “splash” for the dollar.

Two Aquatic Fun Centers are available in Ocala, Florida.
The facilities now provide modest men’s and women’s locker rooms with no showers; showers are located on the pool decks. Two small family restrooms provide an indoor shower and an infant changing station. The buildings include a large air-conditioned lifeguard room/classroom, concession stand, storage, and check-basket rooms.
At the breezeway entrance, patrons can pay, check belongings, and enter the pool without going into a building. This design allowed the construction of a building half the conventional size. Except for two high-rate sand filters, mechanical equipment was pre-assembled in fiberglass cabinets then buried and fenced in an outside area practically invisible to patrons. The filters are in a covey adjacent to the mechanical yard, alleviating the need for a conventional mechanical room. The only exposed piping goes directly to the filter tanks.
The most distinctive and exciting aspect of each of the Ocala Aquatic Fun Centers is the pool area. It includes a multi-lane, heated competition pool complete with Colorado timing systems and essentials for competitive swimming. The competition pool connects to a free-form all-age play area with zero-depth entry. There are water umbrellas, rain spouts, rain bars, rain curtains, ground-level spray lemon drops, and a popular 75-foot water slide. Water wheel chairs and a wheel chair lift are available.
The facilities boast 8,000 square feet of deck space with abundant lounges and chaises. The decks include two “funbrella” shade structures, each 20 feet in diameter, close to the pool and play area so parents can monitor children in comfort.
The decks have a 25-foot by 40-foot picnic pavilion and adjacent tables accommodating 100 people. Nearby are a full-service concession and a small grass area for grilling. The entire deck and pool have outdoor sports lighting for evening activities.
Activities include swim lessons, open swim, family nights, teen parties, water exercise, aqua sports, rentals, and competitive swimming. To provide affordable fun, the council set prices at $1.00 for children and $2.00 for adults. Ocala is proud to offer Aquatic Fun Centers that are truly distinctive.
Monte Martin, Public Affairs Officer, MMartin@Ocalafl.org, 352/629-8401 
Palm Bay, Florida
On June 21, 2003, the city of Palm Bay had its grand opening of the Palm Bay Aquatic Center. The aquatic center is a state-of-the-art community swimming pool designed to meet the needs of all age groups in Palm Bay and Brevard County.
The pool features a zero-depth entry for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, along with all of the toys and amenities that little children enjoy, including water-shooting cannons, fountains, bubblers, and animated toys. The pool was designed to allow for swimming lessons to be conducted, along with competitive swim lanes and two 3-meter diving boards for competition high school events.
What makes the Palm Bay Aquatic Center unique is that this project was a joint venture by four entities: Brevard Community College, Brevard County School Board, Brevard County, and Palm Bay. The final monies were provided through a referendum in which the citizens voted for funding of the project along with several other recreational projects in south Brevard.

The Palm Bay, Florida, Aquatic Center opened on June 21, 2003.
This is the first step but is a significant step toward future joint projects. As a result of this project, the city has entered into a joint project for the athletic amenities of a new high school. It also has opened discussion for a joint community center and a possible amphitheatre. For economic reasons, it is imperative that the combining of resources and projects takes place. Through these efforts, the real winners become the residents.
Alina Bladow, Administrative Secretary, City Manager’s Office, bladoa@palmbayflorida.org
Santa Clara, California
Is it something in the water? What else can explain the magic of the pools in the George F. Haines International Swim Center in Santa Clara, a public facility that has been the training ground of more than 20 Olympic medal winners as well as the recreational “swimming hole” for thousands of residents.
This world-famous swim center includes an Olympic-size pool, a racing pool (50 meters by 75 feet), a training pool (75 feet by 45 feet), and a diving pool (75-feet by 60-feet, 17-feet deep). Owned and operated by Santa Clara, the swim center is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is actively used by many segments of the community.

Swimmers leave the blocks at a Masters Swim Meet held at the George F. Haines International Swim Center in Santa Clara, California.
There are swim classes for babies and youngsters, noontime swims for adults who work nearby, senior swim times, lap swimming for fitness, and many hours each week of recreational swimming for family members.
But the swim center gained its international reputation for the dozens of national and international swim meets, water polo tournaments, and synchronized swimming competitions held every year. Local swim clubs, including the Santa Clara Divers and the Santa Clara Swim Club, have no problems recruiting new members. There often is a waiting list for new participants and intense competition for top team positions.
Olympians who trained at the swim center and who are charter members elected to the swim center’s Hall of Fame include swimmers Lynn Burke (two gold medals in the 1960 Olympics), Steve Clark (swam in the 1960 and 1964 Olympics, won three gold medals in Tokyo, and set a world record in the 100-meter freestyle), swimmer Donna DeVarona  (1960 and 1964 Olympian, winning two gold medals), and Chris Von Saltza (competed in the 1960 Olympics, won three gold medals and one silver medal, and set a world record in 200-meter backstroke).
Also, Mark Spitz (holds records for winning the most gold medals at one Olympic games—seven, in 1972 at Munich—and shares the record for most gold medals overall—nine, in 1968 and 1972) and Pablo Morales (gold and silver medalist in the 1984 Olympics and gold in 1992).
The Santa Clara Aquamaids, who also call the swim center home, concluded another successful season that, in addition to delightful synchronized swimming shows for the community, included the team capturing its 12th consecutive national championship title and garnering seven of the 10 spots in the 2003 World Team representing the United States. Two of the Aquamaids, Anna Kozlova and Alison Bartosik, have been selected to represent the United States in the duet competition in the 2004 Olympic Games.
The facility, originally known as the Santa Clara International Swim Center, was renamed in 2000 in honor of the legendary founder of the Santa Clara Swim Club, George F. Haines, who is considered by many to be the greatest swimming coach of all time. He served as a U.S. Olympic coach at seven Olympiads.
Located in 52-acre Central Park, an open space in the center of metropolitan Silicon Valley, the George F. Haines International Swim Center is one of a kind in the world of public swimming pools. Its distinctive architecture and impressive record of award-winning users sets it apart from all other community pools in northern California.
Carol McCarthy, Deputy City Manager, cmccarthy@ci.santa-clara.ca.us, 408/615-2213
Santa Clarita, California
Beginning August 5, 2003, live streaming video of the construction of Santa Clarita’s new Aquatic Center was shown on the city’s home page at www.santa-clarita.com. The $9 million facility is one of the city’s largest capital improvement projects, and visitors to the Web site were able to watch the last phase of construction and have a sneak peak at its two-story water slide, 50-meter Olympic-size swimming pool, and other features.

Residents of Santa Clarita, California, watched webcasts of their new facility being built.
“The Aquatic Center was designed with the help of public participation, and we wanted to share the facility’s progress with the public,” said Ken Striplin, assistant to the city manager. “The Web cam was the perfect way to let people see exactly how the project was taking shape,” Striplin added. A live-feed camera was installed at the center by the city’s technology services staff. A public link was added to the city’s Web site to provide easy access to webcasts. The new center opened on October 18, 2003.  
Gail Ortiz, Public Information Officer, GORTIZ@santa-clarita.com, 661/255-4314
Scarsdale, New York
The Scarsdale Municipal Pool Complex is a village-owned and -operated facility open annually from Memorial Day to Labor Day for the enjoyment of Scarsdale residents. The outdoor facility features four pools catering to the various ages, interests, and abilities of resident members.
The pools include an Olympic-sized pool with eight lanes, a 12-foot deep diving pool with 1- and 3-meter diving boards, a wading pool for young children, and an intermediate pool with a maximum depth of 3 feet. Facilities also include a concession stand, picnic area, playground, memorial garden, 610-space free parking lot, changing rooms, and a sports area housing a basketball court, sand volleyball court, ping-pong tables, and tetherball.
The pool complex is the product of years of collaboration between residents and local government officials, who worked together to design a facility that satisfied the community’s needs. The initial construction was authorized by adoption of a 1967 bond resolution, approved by a majority vote of the village’s electorate.

This main pool is part of the Municipal Pool Complex in Scarsdale, New York.
Since it opened in 1969, the pool has operated on a self-supporting basis, relying mainly on family and individual membership fees rather than tax dollars. During the 2002 season, 2,934 pool permits were sold, representing more than 8,000 residents; this is a membership equal to roughly half of the village’s population.
The pool’s first major renovation, a three-phase plan commencing in 1998 and culminating this year, includes a number of site improvements involving the expansion of the parking facilities, vehicular and pedestrian safety enhancements, and extensive landscaping in the lots and environs.
Inside the complex, a new playground was installed, the concession stand enlarged, locker rooms and management offices expanded, roofs replaced, electrical wiring upgraded, and a new first-aid center constructed. The cost of this work, approximately $2,000,000, is financed through 15-year municipal bonds paid primarily through pool-user fees and charges having little or no impact on property taxes.
For more than three decades, the pool has provided enjoyable recreational activities for Scarsdale residents, and it has grown into an active social center with appealing programming for residents of all ages and aquatic abilities. The pool staff provides daily public swim lessons at no additional cost to members as young as four years old, adults, and almost 900 campers from the Scarsdale Summer Day Camp. Adults also participate in such other activities as water aerobics classes and early morning swim sessions.
In addition to the popular swimming and diving teams for younger members, the pool offers scuba lessons, Red Cross lifeguard training and recertification classes, and private birthday parties. Nearly 5,000 people attended this year’s annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display held at the pool complex; this is an annual opportunity for a substantial portion of the village to gather for a community event.
The Scarsdale Municipal Pool Complex has evolved into the most popular and important recreational facility in the village, enhancing athletic, social, and recreational opportunities for all residents while being celebrated as a symbol of what makes Scarsdale a fine example of suburban living.
Alfred Gatta, Village Manager, agatta@scarsdale.com, 914/722-1110
© 2003 International City/County Management Association.