Open House Invitation
February 3. 2016 update
The Athabasca Pool Design Committee (PDC) continues to move forward on the design for a new aquatic centre adjacent to the Athabasca Regional Multiplex. The facility will offer expanded pool recreation opportunities for residents of the region.
At its Monday, February 1, 2016 meeting the committee agreed to the following:
- To conduct pool facility tours in Alberta to help put various pool designs, amenities and their costs into context for PDC members;
- To hold an Open House in March (date TBD) to allow residents a chance to see various concepts, cost estimates and provide attendees an opportunity to provide input about them;
“Members of the PDC continue to work with design architects to find an appropriate design and cost structure that will work for residents, user groups and the municipal partners of this project,” says Josh Pyrcz, PDC communications chair and Town of Athabasca CAO.
“The facility tours will give members of the PDC a chance to see with their own eyes what various pool features look like and what they offer those who use them. We encourage everyone interested in the project to watch for notices to attend the March meeting and bring their questions with them.”
As previously noted, preliminary costing shows the new aquatic facility will have a cost range of $10 million to $15 million. In 2015 Athabasca County and the Town of Athabasca each committed $5 million towards the project for a total municipal contribution of $10 million.
November 6, 2015 update
The Athabasca Pool Design Committee (PDC) continues to move forward on the creation of a new aquatic centre adjacent to the Athabasca Regional Multiplex which will serve residents of the region.
At its October 26 meeting the committee accomplished the following tasks:
- Approved an organizational chart which included the PDC, Joint Council, Technical Committee, Communications Committee and Bridging Architect Team;
- Reviewed three layout options for the pool and their associated costs;
- Confirmed the site layout for the pool in relation to the Multiplex and new high school; and,
- Decided on a minimum of 6 lanes for the lap pool to meet competition requirements.
Members of the PDC reviewed three pool designs from other municipalities for reference. They looked at programs run at those facilities and how they affected the design and costs of each one.
“The three design options presented to the committee helped us think about how the programming will affect pool amenities and ultimately the cost of the project,” says Josh Pyrcz, PDC communications chair and Town of Athabasca CAO.
“Preliminary costing tells us that we are looking at a cost range of $10 million to $15 million for the project. The lower end of the range represents basic amenities and the higher end includes features such as a waterslide, hot tub, steam room and sauna.”
Next steps for the PDC include deciding on design standards to be used throughout the project including quality of spaces, finishes, environmental controls and energy efficiency. The Committee will also consider facility programming such as a Masters Swim Club, seniors’ use of the pool, and seating/standing capacities for viewing areas.
Future meetings will also include discussions about opportunities and costs associated with including green technologies in the pool design such as solar hot water and heat exchange systems.
A public open house will provide a chance for review and input on the project. Once a date has been determined the open house will be publicized. A webpage has been created to explain the project further: http://www.athabascacounty.com/pool-project/
