Just got an email this morning explaining the current findings and issues with the planning of an Aquatic Center in Kingsport and thought I would share.
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Kingsport Aquatic Center Facts
Source: Kingsport Office of Community Relations
email:
whaley@ci.kingsport.tn.us
COST: $14 to $15 million
LOCATION: MeadowView Parkway at Wilcox Drive (adjoining the Golf Driving Range)
TIMELINE: Start April 2009, Open in Summer 2010
FACILITIES:
2 indoor pools (lap pool and warm pool)
2 outdoor pools (activity pool with 2 slides and zero-depth children's water area)
CO-LOCATION WITH THE YMCA
* The Aquatic Center will be open to anyone in the region. You do not have to be a YMCA member to use the facility.
* Co-location could cut estimated $260,000 operating subsidy by $120,000 or more according to Markey & Associates aquatic engineering firm
* Co-location reduces competing aquatic facilities
* YMCA is a non-profit group
Study by Markey & Associates budget based on general admission of $5 for adults and $3 for children.
BMA & Public Input
* Parks & Recreation Committee considers concept and possible locations Votes unanimously in favor of hybrid model; recommends MeadowView if hybrid
* Mayoral Advisory Committee considers possible locations Votes 11-1 in favor of MeadowView location; no votes for Legion site (Note: Mayoral committee consisted of members from a cross-section of community interests from Lynn Garden to Riverview to Fairacres to Preston Woods to Public Housing)
Demographic analysis favored MeadowView
* 50 locations around the city measured for average drive time
* 15 demographic groups examined including:
* Closest proximity to youngest population
* Closest proximity to home owners
* Closest proximity to Recent & Projected Population Growth
Engineering study & acquisition costs favored MeadowView
* MeadowView cheapest at $3,730,000
* Legion Pool = $4,970,000
* Downtown = $7,005,000
Don Schumacher Report
* Don Schumacher & Associates, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio conducting KCVB study of sports facility needs in Kingsport;
* 8 aquatic sites reviewed
* Recommended Meadowview based upon future expansion space, view shed, access and desirability as a regional attraction to reduce local subsidy
If you would like to receive "good news" about Kingsport, please write to
jeff_fleming@earthlink.net
Please feel free to forward this to a friend.
Best Regards