You may remember having read in our May 2007 newsletter about the City’s and the School Board’s land swap at the Library/Sears site on Macon Road. Part of this exciting land deal is the City’s pledge to place a competition natatorium (or swim complex) near the planned City Services Center on the Library/Sears site. The City has convened a group of stakeholders including City Parks and Recreation, Columbus Citizens for a Natatorium, Hurricane Swim Team, MidTown, Inc., Muscogee County School District, YMCA and others to discuss natatorium issues.
The anticipated natatorium is expected to be a state of the art, regional swim competition center, which will provide a much needed amenity to this community and will be an economic catalyst for the MidTown Columbus area, generating demand for hotel and restaurant resources nearby. At the latest meeting of stakeholders on Wednesday May 23, 2007, a natatorium needs list was proposed to include: a 10-12 lane 50 meter by 25 yard pool; a low and high diving board; electronic time boards and sound system, spectator seating for 600-800 people; therapeutic/warming pool; a play pool for young children; and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Depending on which items make it into a final plan, the natatorium is expected to cost between $7 -$10 million.
The City noted that there is $3.2 million of 1999 SPLOST monies available to pay for a 50 meter, Olympic size pool. The YMCA, which is considering a state of the art facility at or near the same location of the proposed natatorium, has suggested a joint venture between it and the City, whereby the natatorium remains first and foremost a public pool with access for YMCA programs. The YMCA has stated that should it meet its current fundraising goals and should the City and YMCA come to maintenance and use agreements, it may contribute $2.2 million toward the cost of the natatorium.
The City will establish citizen led committees to further consider issues of designing and building the natatorium; operating the natatorium and fundraising to make it all possible. Check our website regularly for the latest information on the proposed natatorium.
