Last week, this publication talked about how the city was looking into financing a multi-million dollar parks and recreational packaged, which included at least $10 million in improvements to the Troy Aquatic Park.
Our publication caused certain officials decided to take this opportunity to malign this publication by saying the motivation here is just to “sow discord” on October 28th. Whatever. It’s not worth the time, effort or energy to dig into a two-page diatribe put out late on Monday afternoon on the city’s social media page. Obviously a sign of a slow day at the City Building.
However, what was truly fascinating that one day after our story ran on Friday, October 25th, the city decided to publish their assessment of the pool on the city website on Saturday, October 26th. The City could have gone to some effort and energy to announce the release of this information via a social media post or some other method.
But, at least on this issue, the city administration’s behavior shows that they are way more interested into “corrective narratives” rather than sharing and promoting actual facts; this study was given to the city back in early September, but the city waits until October to put it out? Let’s hope the city administration isn’t trying to hide anything and this was simply a missed opportunity to be open and transparent.
Anyway, what does the assessment for the Troy Aquatic Park recommend? Let’s dive in.
An Aging Facility Needs Improvements
No one will doubt that the Troy Aquatic Park stands at a critical juncture as it approaches its 20th season of operation. The facility is getting to the point where it’s serving the next generation of Trojans, as kids who grew up with this pool are now taking their own children to this place.
The comprehensive assessment, finished in September, provides some valuable insights into the current state of the facility and outlines potential paths forward to ensure its continued success and relevance in the community.
Constructed in 2005, the TAP has been a cornerstone of summer recreation for Troy and the surrounding areas, reliably drawing visitors from a 20-25 mile radius. Its central location, adjacent to Hobart Arena and Troy Memorial Stadium, makes it easily accessible to the entire community. The park's diverse amenities, including a main recreation pool, lap lanes, water slides, and a tot pool, have made it a popular destination for families and swimmers alike.
Despite diligent maintenance efforts, several issues have been identified that need addressing to maintain the facility's appeal and functionality. The gutter system on the main pool requires ongoing repairs, and replacement parts are no longer available. The pool shells, while in fair condition, show signs of wear, particularly at expansion joints where water-stops are deteriorating. The quartz-aggregate finish of the pool has undergone multiple repairs and may need complete replacement in the future.
The mechanical systems, including high-rate sand filtration and various pumps, are nearing the end of their expected lifespans. While still functional, these systems will require increased maintenance and eventual replacement. The children's pool heater, in particular, has been identified as a priority for replacement in the near future. Additionally, there are some ADA compliance issues, most notably the lack of a primary means of access to the main pool. Installing a portable chair-lift would fully resolve this issue and ensure the facility meets current accessibility standards.
The bathhouse, which serves as the primary structure for overall operations, remains largely unchanged since its construction in 2005. While the building is structurally sound, some minor upgrades and improvements are recommended. These include replacing some doors, repainting, and potentially updating plumbing fixtures, sinks, counters, and mirrors in the restrooms. The men's and women's locker rooms are adequately sized and ADA compliant, but the lockers are reaching the end of their useful life and should be replaced.
The administrative and lifeguard spaces, while functional, could benefit from a more efficient layout. Additional lockers for staff use are needed, and the concession space is tight and lacks sufficient storage. These areas present opportunities for improvement to enhance staff comfort and operational efficiency.
A notable concern is the wooden entry pavilion, which is showing signs of deterioration. One of the primary structural columns exhibits significant rot, likely due to water exposure. If not addressed within the next 3-5 years, these conditions will continue to worsen. Given the extent of the damage, it is recommended to replace the entire structure with a new, painted steel entry pavilion rather than attempting to repair the existing one.
The price tag for these improvements comes in at just around $1.5 million.
Options for Expanding the Pool
In response to these challenges and the evolving needs of the community, the consultants proposed three options for expanding and improving the TAP. Each option aims to address the existing issues while also enhancing the facility's appeal and capacity.
The Lazy River Option
Option 1 involves adding a lazy river to the existing amenities. This addition would provide a popular, low-impact attraction suitable for visitors of all ages. The estimated cost for this option ranges from $7.1 million to $8.0 million.
The Activity Tower Option
Option 2 proposes the installation of an activity tower. This multi-level structure would offer a variety of water-based activities and slides, catering to thrill-seekers and providing a visually striking centerpiece for the park. The projected cost for this option is between $10.3 million and $11.5 million.
A New Pool Option
Option 3 suggests the addition of a new leisure pool. This would expand the facility's capacity and provide more space for recreational swimming and water play. The estimated cost for this option is $9.9 million to $11.5 million.
It's important to note that all three options include necessary improvements to the existing facility, as well as expansions to the bathhouse and pump house to accommodate the increased capacity and new features. These core improvements are essential regardless of which expansion option is chosen.
The consultants emphasized the importance of balancing community needs, city objectives, and industry trends in making a decision. The TAP is recognized as a valuable community asset that should offer a modern and attractive aquatic experience while remaining financially sustainable. The recommended approach is to utilize and increase the occupied footprint of the existing site while renovating the current pool to ensure its usability for the next 20 years.
The importance of aquatic facilities in promoting community health and wellness is underscored throughout the report, even though these facilities have very short operational seasons. Swimming and water-based activities offer numerous benefits, including stress reduction, improved flexibility, and coordination. The low-impact nature of these activities makes them accessible to people of all ages and abilities, contributing to the overall quality of life in the community.
As Troy continues to grow and evolve, the decision made regarding the future of the TAP will play a crucial role in shaping the city's recreational landscape. By carefully considering the options presented and prioritizing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability, Troy has the opportunity to reinvigorate its aquatic park, ensuring it remains a beloved community asset for generations to come.
But the community also has other recreational needs as well and how the community works to gain input and how inclusive this decision-making process will be, will speak volumes on the direction this community will go forward, especially when it comes to our hometown’s park and recreational opportunities.
What Do You Think?
Do any of these options speak to you? Which one would you recommend? Which one doesn’t excite you? Our paid subscribers are more than welcome to leave their ideas and insights in the comment thread! Your contributions are always welcome!
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Okay, so I like the idea of doing neat, big things. And I also think people whine too much overall about the parking situation downtown. But never in a million years will I be convinced that Troy needs a lazy river pool upgrade more than it needs a downtown parking garage. That kind of water park seems more like a commercial enterprise to me.