Did council shaft Parks and Rec on pool decisions?
The Parks and Recreation folks justifiably are miffed that the city’s new aquatics center has been placed on the fast track with little input or involvement from them.
It is highly unlikely that bonds for the facility would have passed in 2008 without the good reputation of Parks and Recreation behind it. As far as anyone can remember, city parks bonds always pass.
Swim center bonds are another matter. They’ve failed miserably when placed alone on the ballot. Then last year they were included in the parks and recreation package and passed solidly.
Of the $20 million placed on the ballot for those bonds, $12 million was earmarked for the swim center.
Be that as it may, the Parks and Recreation department will not be involved in the facility’s construction.
Even worse, a committee was formed by the City Council to consider locations for the few swim center ... then ignored.
The council decided on its own to place the facility at the coliseum.
Finally, Parks and Recreation commissioners rightly wonder about the status of other bonds passed for recreation facilities, some approved by voters as long ago as 2000.
There may be sound fiscal reasons those projects, which include recreation centers and a skate park, have been put on hold.
Whatever the reasoning, it would be nice to know.
As for the swim center, in all likelihood it would have wound up at the coliseum anyway. It’s clearly the most cost-effective location. And the case for moving quickly to build it to take advantage of cheaper construction costs is convincing.
But both the Parks and Recreation Department and commissioners understandably feel they were used to get the swim center bonds passed, then kicked to the curb.
The council should have respected the process. And it should have respected the Parks and Recreation Department.
A correction: Amanda Lehmert tells me the committee I mentioned was not specifically charged with advising on a swim center location. It was formed to offer general advice on the facility. It was not consulted on the location question.
Comments (3)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
The most compelling reason why the City Council went with the Coliseum project management choice was evident at the meeting:
City Council: We have a small window of opportunity to take advantage of significant construction cost savings.
P&R spokesperson: Give us another 6 months to talk about it.
Coliseum guy: Here is the action plan that will get us what we need and we will be ready in to build in 90 days.
Unfortunately P&R missed a great opportunity by procrastinating for the six months since November. If their plan had been complete and ready to present I'm sure the Council would have considered it. The poor P&R department has lots of other stuff on their leaderless, understaffed, and bureaucracy-burdened shoulders. Moving quickly is simply not something they are capable of doing. If our city is going to go after the major competitive events that will generate the payback the Coliseum says it will, then a sense of urgency and proactive management are the most important criteria. P&R just doesn't meet either qualification right now.
Posted on May 23, 2009 7:21 AM
From the start, the proposed aquatic center was to be centrally located. Council Woman Wells sought a NE Greensboro location at the Sportplex. This is far from central. A downtown location is central, but no free land is available. The High Point Road location is easily accessible except perhaps north Greensboro, however it is the best fit and most logical choice even when politics is left out. Debate should be over and no special committees are needs.
The Park and Recreation Bond description for the facility was for a Competition Pool. This is what citizens voted for because it was spelled out. The coliseum staff is very capable of managing the competition events at the competition pool. This is their cup of tea so to speak. Mr. Brown has addressed some of the other public programs to be offered at the facility such as learn to swim and wellness. He has stated the facility will be opened from early morning to late night for public programs.
His plans are for a multi use facility offering competition events which generates economic impact and public recreational programs including wellness, lean to swim, senior exercise, and other water activities. These are defined as RECREATION.
Swimming advocates have addressed the misconception of a single and limited use facility. This was done at the City Council meeting of May 5th by several spokes people. While some on the Parks and Recreation Commission were generous in their support, please remember the chair person resigned early rather than contribute to the development of the Aquatic Center. Mr. Brower, Vice Chair of the Commission, arrives late (he had never been at any of the 20 or more bond committee and Park & Recreation department meetings and discussions over the last several years) to complain of the council's decisions of exclusion while personally excluding himself up to May of 2009 of all previous meetings and discussions.
The Park & Recreation Department was extremely helpful in promoting the bond and including citizens in the bond committee, but subsequent momentum failed after the resignation of Bonnie Kuester and Candice Bruton, both capable, professional and ethical department managers.
The above should provide some facts as to how the aquatic center came to the coliseum authorities and location. We should give Matt Brown and his staff appreciation for their leadership and vision. The project will get done soon! Greensboro will be well served.
Posted on May 23, 2009 2:45 PM
I will have to agree with the cat and dog above.
P&R did a great job this time around with support, etc but completely dropped the ball post passage. I know for a fact the plan was for P&R to proceed immediately with whatever studies, etc they felt necessary. Apparently they did not do so. You snooze you lose I guess.
All that being typed, I am a strong supporter of utilizing this new facility to the hilt with free swim, health, excercise and safety programs, etc along with the competitive uses. Charlotte provides a solid example of how this can be done. It may take time but we must use this facility to it's maximum in order to get full benefit (quality of life and $$$). An overall minor point is that this facility will draw the Greensboro competitive swim community more in line with the Charlotte and Raleigh areas. Perhaps even diving will now exist in our fair city. We shall see. However, meets per year we can pull off as a city will also bring revenue to local businesses and the city coffers. Thank you Greensboro. Thank you City Council. Thank you CVM staff and Matt Brown.
All this time I thought it was "Pie" due to the enormity of the feline. Funny Huh
Posted on May 27, 2009 1:05 PM