REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a Conceptual Design for the Washington Community Swim Center Project
Report
SUMMARY OF COMMISSION ACTION
The Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) considered this item at their meeting of June 14, 2017. An excerpt of the draft meeting minutes is provided in Attachment 6 to this report.
On a 4-0 vote, with Chair Alexander III absent, the PRC passed a motion that staff review the pool configurations and parking to identify the design that will meet the desires of the community. (Attachment 6 - Excerpt of Draft PRC meeting minutes of June 14, 2017).
Questions and comments from the commissioners focused primarily on the relationship between the intended use of the facility and the proposed design. For example, several questions were asked regarding the design of the facility and the impact on parking (whether the intent was to create a “destination” type facility that would have a city-wide draw or an enhanced recreational facility that would mainly draw from downtown neighborhoods), the allocation of space within the facility intended for aquatic programming versus more general community space and safety concerns related to congestion in and around the facility as well as markings within the pool area to clearly delineate varying depths of water. In addition, questions were asked about the intended scheduling of programs within the facility and efforts made to ensure the facility was appropriately designed for patrons of all ages and abilities.
There were four speakers during the public comment period. At the commission’s request, two of the speakers emailed comments to the commission following the meeting and are provided in Attachment 7.
In addition to the comments noted above, additional comments included a desire to better understand the funding for the project as well as how this project differs/complements other City facilities such as Fremont Pool; an expectation that the facility have amenities that would encourage repeat visits, the possibility of an indoor pool, and a desire to look at the aquatic facility in the context of the greater park area.
Other comments were given regarding specific design considerations on items such as tile colors, surface textures and other locker room details. All of the comments from the meeting are summarized in Attachment 7. Comments related to design details such as tile colors will be considered during the design development phase of the project once a conceptual design is approved.
DISCUSSION
The proposed Washington Community Swim Center is planned at the location of the existing Washington Pool Complex. The intent of the project is to construct a new, attractive, fun, and usable facility within the allocated project budget. The recommended concept design will, at a minimum, replace the existing programming available at the Washington Pool. Opportunities to expand programming, including increasing service hours/times will be evaluated by staff. An indoor pool is not within budget and has not been included in the recommended concept design.
The splash pad recommended by staff is the preferred design as it will include a variety of inter-active amenities to engage patrons of all ages while minimizing costs associated with staffing. By requirement, a splash pool (regardless of depth) will require the stationing of lifeguards; however, a splash pad will not. This is an important consideration not only in terms of costs, but also because cities throughout this region including Sunnyvale are experiencing challenges in hiring qualified lifeguards. Already for the 2017 summer season, the City has had to cancel swim lessons and open swim programs due to the lack of qualified personnel despite concerted efforts to provide incentives for individuals to become certified lifeguards including the reimbursement of certification costs. The inclusion of additional amenities that will trigger additional staff will only exacerbate this situation.
Based on preliminary reviews of the public spaces in the existing and proposed facilities (excluding the maintenance/pool equipment building), there is minimal increase in the overall footprint. Since the overall proposed facility use is similar to the existing, the preliminary review of existing parking spaces performed by the consultant did not identify any significant issues.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve the recommended conceptual design as shown on Attachment 5 and authorize staff to proceed with detailed design and preparation of bid documents.
2. Other direction as provided by City Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternative 1: Approve the recommended conceptual design as shown on Attachment 5 to the report and authorize staff to proceed with detailed design and preparation of bid documents.
Staff feels that the recommended concept design reflects a quality community swim center with amenities for participants of all ages and abilities. The concept was developed based on feedback from the community meetings, except for the splash pad for the reasons noted above.
Overall, the proposed conceptual design incorporates community input, is a project that fits within the approved budget and addresses operational concerns.
Staff
Prepared by: Nathan Scribner, Senior Engineer
Reviewed by: Manuel Pineda, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Cynthia E. Bojorquez, Director of Library and Community Services
Reviewed by: Kent Steffens, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Report to Parks and Recreation Commission 17-0485, June 14, 2017 (without attachments)
2. Community Outreach Meeting Summary of 12/15/16
3. Community Outreach Meeting Summary of 03/30/17
4. Design Options
5. Recommended Concept
Additional Attachments for Report to Council
6. Excerpt of Draft Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of June 14, 2017
7. Public Comment Emails