Park board OKs new Walton pool design

Thursday, June 26, 2003

Wednesday the Nevada Park Board voted to approve the basic structural design for renovations at Walton Pool. In addition the board told Kevin McElyea, Larkin Aquatics, to include all of the proposed amenities as options that the board will be able to pick and choose from when they see the bids. The bid process is separate from the design phase, McElyea told the board. "We can ask for a bid on the basic structure, plus whatever alternates might be desired," he said. The basic design, which has an estimated cost of about $914,000, includes adding the bulkhead dividing the pool into two sections, adding a zero depth entry, new filtration systems, turning the existing filter room into a new concession room, and renovating the bathhouse. The board has budgeted $1.2 million for the renovations at Walton Pool and the total cost of the basic changes and the other amenities is estimated at about $1.4 million. "We had actually started some of the design work and we went back and tried to get a little more useable space with the available budget," Kevin McElyea said. One of the changes from the initial proposal moves the warm water pool outside of the main pool to leave more space for other uses for the same cost, McElyea told the board. The estimated cost of this feature is $102,000 he told the board. McElyea told the board that they have also changed the zero-depth entry so it will occupy less of the pool and still maintain the gentle slope. A new larger water slide will be included in the renovations; however, the final choice will be made after bids are received. A water slide complex will cost about $200,000, McElyea said. "That slide is a commitment we made to the voters," Carol Branham, parks and recreation director, said. "That's not negotiable," Mike Turnbull, park board member, said. Other options the board will have to from include: play unit in the zero-depth area, $55,000; floatable walk, $29,000; spray ground equipment, $105,000; and overhead lights, $38,000. "We're looking at this as a tool for economic development, as well as providing something for people who come to town for tournaments. We're currently losing people to Lamar," Branham said. McElyea told the board that these changes will make this more of a family type of facility. "No one item will be a marquee draw. Its draw is that it becomes a family aquatic center," he said.

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