ROGERS — Design work on the proposed aquatic center is nearing completion and should be shovel ready by the time the 2011 bond election is held.
David Swearingen of Crafton Tull Sparks, designers of the aquatic center, met Wednesday with the Parks and Recreation Commission to explain minor changes in phase one of the park plans.
The first phase of the project will be construction of the aquatic center at what is now Dock Wheeler Park on South 26th Street. The second phase will include sand volleyball courts, an amphitheater, a pavilion, an additional entrance off 24th Street and a second parking lot. There is no time estimate on when the second phase will be built on the 20-acre site.
AT A GLANCE
Sales Tax Election
What: An election to extend a 1 percent sales tax
When: Tentatively scheduled for March 2011
How much: Approximately $130 million bond issue
How will it be spent: Build an aquatic center and a sports park; renovate Lake Atalanta; build or improve city streets
Source: Staff Report
Swearingen said the only changes in the design include moving the pump house and some changes in the 35-foot-tall slide tower.
Commissioners questioned whether the parking lot was the right size for the aquatic park.
David Hook, city facilities development manager, said the aquatic center will probably have 300 parking spaces. One parking space for every three people is the industry standard.
“The aquatic center capacity is 1,000 people,” Hook said.
Hook, Barney Hayes and Rick Stocker, parks and recreation director, recently toured the aquatic center in Springdale, which is slightly smaller than the one planned for Rogers. They learned after the initial opening of the park, the average daily attendance is about 600 per day, indicating the parking lot would be adequate in size.
Hayes is to become parks director on Aug. 1, part of a planned split in the parks and recreation department. Stocker is expected to become recreation director.
Greg Lindley, commission chairman, said he likes the design of the aquatic center.
“I think they did a great job of transforming our ideas into a great plan,” Lindley said.
“We need the aquatic center and the sports park for three reasons. First, the parks add to the quality of life in Rogers; second, the parks will have positive financial impact on the city; and third, the parks will be a draw for companies thinking about locating here,” Lindley said.
The aquatic center, which is estimated to cost $10 million, is to have a splash area, a toddler pool, a championship pool, a lazy river float and two major slide areas. A concession stand and bath house will be at the entrance to the park.