HomeMy WebLinkAboutWORK SESSION SUMMARY-03/22/2022-Work Session (2)
Community Services
Administration
215 N Mason Street
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6263
fcgov.com
MEMORANDUM
Date: March 25, 2022
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
Thru: Kelly DiMartino, Interim City Manager
Kyle Stannert, Deputy City Manager
From: Seve Ghose, Community Services Director
LeAnn Williams, Recreation Director
Re: March 22, 2022 Work Session Summary: Aquatics Update
At the March 22 Work Session, staff outlined three potential options for the Mulberry
Pool, including the staff recommendation to not invest more money into Mulberry Pool
and direct funds that could have gone to maintenance at Mulberry to add lap lanes to
the new Southeast Recreation and Innovation Center project. All Councilmembers were
present via Zoom.
Council’s feedback included the following:
• Need to engage in conversations with Poudre School District and Colorado State
University about shared responsibilities and contributions to addressing the need
for lap lanes.
• Many Councilmembers expressed support for option 2, while still reiterating a
need for more aquatic facilities in the northern part of the city.
• Some frustration was expressed over the lack of a comprehensive community
aquatics plan.
• Importance of collaboration and a regional approach was emphasized.
• Timing of moving forward on a southeast aquatics facility brought up by some
Councilmembers as a question that requires more information first on other
possibilities to best plan the approach to be followed.
As clarified during Council discussion, there is not a timing requirement based on the
ballot language for the southeast aquatic center, although there are other
considerations impacting timing. The language does specify the center must include an
outdoor leisure pool while it doesn’t preclude additions.
The Mulberry Pool will continue to offer limited service and staff will keep Council
apprised of developments with the existing equipment.
NEXT STEPS:
x Staff will engage in conversations with the current and potential partners in the
community, including Poudre School District, Colorado State University, and
Larimer County to further synthesize the need in the area for public access
swimming pools.
x Community Services will return to Council in the coming months with information
regarding community aquatics, leveraging the partnerships outlined above. This
information will include an analysis of “fair share” costs for the partners, and be
presented through an equity lens, particularly regarding access and location.
x Community Services will also formulate a timeline on the possible new
Recreation Center that is to include an aquatics component, designated for the
southeast section of the city, and share it in the coming months.