How much will it cost?
The project including development of the Aquatic Center, recreational facilities, and off-site improvements is estimated at $4.4 million. How will it be paid for?
The project will be paid for through the issuance of government bonds that will be paid back through this dedicated increase in property taxes. The 1.29 mill bond issue will generate approximately $380,000 annualy for twenty years. The estimated cost for a person owning a $100,000 home is less than $41 or less than a dollar a week. Does Kent really need a Swimming Pool?
While every community is different, there is a documented need for an outdoor swimming pool from both a national facilities standards and local point of view. The National Recreation and Park Association Parks and Open Space Standards indicate that an outdoor pool is justified for every 20,000 in population. Kent's population is expected to top 30,000 in the 2000 census. The needs assessment survey that was conducted in 1995 indicated over 72% of the households in Kent desired an outdoor swimming pool. Who designed the project?
Brandstetter, Carroll and Zofcin, who have built over seventy municipal pools, developed the conceptual design. Local input was gathered through surveys and community meetings. The focus was placed on a recreational leisure pool as opposed to a purely competitive pool to make the facility attractive to a wide range of interests and age groups. | Will this pool compete with the indoor pools at Roosevelt H. S. & the KSU Recreation Center?
No, the Roosevelt Pool staff feel the addition of an outdoor pool will increase interest in their facility throughout theyear. Also, the Roosevelt Pool could be shut down for maintenance if another facility were available. The Sea Rider Swim Team has to rent pool space out of town for practices. KSU is not available for youths under age 18 without an adult present. This severey limits the usage for teenagers. The bottom line is there is nothing more appealing than being able to swim outdoors in the summer.
HOW MUCH WILL
COST TO USE?
The project has been designed to generate significant revenue. It is proposed to offer passes to non-residents at an increased cost to keep rates low for residents. The consultant has estimated that approximately $192,000 can be generated annually based on the proposed fee schedule as follows: Kent Resident:
Family Season Pass ...... $80
Individual Season Pass ...... $50 DailyAdmission ...... $3 Non-Resident:
Family Season Pass ...... $130
Individual Season Pass ...... $80 DailyAdmission ...... $6 |
| Why do we need a Bond Issue?
The city of Kent does not have the funds available to build this project and given the numerous infrastructure needs in the city, a recreationalfacilityfalls very low on the priority rating The Parks Recreation operating levies are not sufficient to cover such a large capital project. What are the operating costs?
The estimated operating costsfor salaries, maintenance, supplies, chemicals, insurance, utilities, and contractual services are approximately $185,000. How about getting a grant or donations?
The Department has an aggressive programfor solicitinggrants and donations to complete projects. Almost $1 million has been obtained since the Master Plan was completed in 1995. ythis bond issue is approved, thefunds can be used to applyfor matchinggrants from the State and Federal Governments. The naming of the Aquatic Center and Park is also available f a major donor can be found. Why not build an indoor recreation center?
The site will accommodate an indoor community recreation center in thefuture, but this project has been put on hold and remains a long-range project of the Department. A feasibility study determined that thefacility would operate at a signficant deficit. For more information call
Kent Parks & Recreation at
330-673-8897 Return to Kent Matters |