Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Legat Architects for the Aquatics Capital Improvements Program 2020 - Phase 1 Project. The contract amount is $286,560.00, with a contingency of $20,000.00, for a total of $306,560.00 being authorized by this ordinance.
Learning how to swim and safely enjoy the water is a life-long skill and this recreational activity is a core priority of Recreation and Parks. In 2019, the Department completed a system-wide strategic plan to analyze the state of recreational facilities, programs, inclusivity, and access for residents to parks, trails, sports, and pools. A key finding of the plan was that the city’s aquatics program, serving thousands of youth and adults city-wide, was in substantial need of an updated capital improvement implementation program to determine how to handle the system’s aging pools, increased demand, and rapidly growing population.
This contract will provide preliminary engineering services for the Recreation and Parks Department’s Aquatics Capital Improvement Program, including capital planning and community engagement services. This project will conduct a comprehensive analysis of all of the Department’s 14 pools and spray grounds, as well as the indoor Columbus Aquatic Center. A preliminary inventory shows that Columbus lags far behind cities of similar size with available pool space, access, financial sustainability, location, along with substantial maintenance costs due to aging facilities well beyond their service life. The project will involve a full assessment of all the city’s aquatic facilities, including operating costs, programming constraints, and population served. The project will also examine the exterior and interior conditions of the facilities, including mechanical, electrical, and ADA Compliance. The project will include robust public engagement with key stakeholders and neighborhoods to help rea...
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