Parks, Recreation & Leisure

Parks, Recreation & Leisure / Aquatics

2003 Pools Visioning Process Introduction

Introduction | Survey (pdf file) | Brief History | Existing Conditions | 2003 Improvements | Conceptual Drawings

At the beginning of 2003, the City assumed ownership of the community's three outdoor pools. During the summer months, the Department of Parks & Recreation undertook a pools visioning process to garner feedback from residents on how they would like these pools to evolve as the City prepares to undertake significant renovations.

The response was enthusiastic, with more than 200 residents attending a series of public meetings, approximately 600 surveys returned, and hundreds of discussions held and comments noted from displays at the pools and various community events.

Some of the resounding messages that emerged from this process included:
- Provide more shaded areas
- Provide lap lanes with adequate times for lap swimmers
- Provide diving bays with 3 meter boards
- Provide more programming
- Provide separate wading pools with separate filtering systems
- Upgrade the restrooms
- Extend the hours of operation

Many residents made clear that they really liked what they already have at the pools, they just want the City to make it better.

Another plus through this process - several simple resident wishes emerged that the City was able to address immediately:

- Residents missed the high diving boards that had been removed for safety reasons. When monies came available to rectify this at one pool, the City took action to install new boards at Devon Pool. Devon was selected because it has an existing diving well that is in good condition and likely won't need renovation work for many years.

- Many residents asked for outdoor showers, so they could quickly rinse off before heading home. A simple enough request, showers were installed in time for the 2003 swim season.

- Other items with simple fixes included large wall clocks, installed to allow swimmers to keep track of time, new chairs, and more trashcans.

Staff is preparing a set of recommendations reflective of the desires of the citizenry, and to develop funding and implementation scenarios to accompany these recommendations. This will likely be brought before Council in the new year.

Parks & Recreation Department
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Phone: 614-583-5300
Fax: 614-457-6620
www.ua-ohio.net