HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-15-073 - Kiwanis Park Pool Renovation Staff Report
I rTC'.�► t .R Community Services Department wmkitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: October 19th, 2015
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Hildebrand, Director Community Programs and Services,
519-741-2200 ext. 7687
PREPARED BY: Denise Keelan, Manager of Aquatics and Athletics, 519-741-2200
ext. 7420
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: September 29th, 2015
REPORT NO.: CSD-15-073
SUBJECT: Kiwanis Park Pool Renovation
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council endorse Option A as the preferred option for the renovated Kiwanis
Park pool design as outlined in report CSD-15-073; and,
That funding for the renovation of the Kiwanis Park pool be referred to the 2016
capital budget process for further consideration; and further,
That staff be directed to pursue funding opportunities to assist with the funding
of both the preferred option and/or the potential addition of spray features,
through the following sources including; a) government grants, b) private sector
partnerships, and/or c) the capital budget process.
BACKGROUND:
Kiwanis Park was constructed in 1967, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of
Kitchener. Considered at the time as a manmade lake, it was designed as a non-
filtered body of water, chlorinated and circulated to allow for safe swimming. The pool
itself is one acre in size, the equivalent to the size of a football field. The existing basin
is 350 feet long and 175 feet wide, and holds 3.5 million litres of water. Annually, over
the summer months, over 40,000 visitors enjoy Kiwanis Park and unique beach-like
setting.
Public swimming pools in Ontario are regulated under the Ontario Health Regulations
Act in cooperation with each local Public Health Department. Specifically, regulation 565
outlines the criteria necessary for public pools to follow in order to comply with health
standards. These criteria address the balance of water chemistry, the volume of water
turnover based on number of swimmers, filtration standards, lifeguard ratios,
qualifications of lifeguards and equipment requirements on the pool deck. All of these
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regulations and criteria are intended to ensure the pool water is safe for the public to
swim in.
A recent focus on water borne illnesses and pool fouling procedures has pressed public
health inspectors across the province to revisit historical pool operations. As a result of
this new push, the City of St. Catharines, who operates eleven outdoor pools, were
required to make changes to many of their facilities considered non-compliant in order
to keep them operational. The City of Toronto had two facilities similar to the pool at
Kiwanis Park (Petticoat Creek and Albion Hills) where they recently completed
extensive upgrades to ensure code compliance and continued operations. The City of
Kitchener is facing similar challenges of compliance with Kiwanis Park pool.
REPORT:
Kiwanis Park pool, which was once considered a manmade lake and now recognized as
a Class A pool, has a number of deficiencies which were identified by the Region of
Waterloo Public Health. On September 3rd, 2014 staff received a letter from the Region
(Appendix A) indicating that the current circulation system for the pool was not in
compliance with regulation standards. As a result, the City of Kitchener was informed
the pool would not be permitted to operate in 2015 unless a filtration system was
installed. Due to the magnitude of water, the pool requires significant upgrades to meet
these regulations. The upgrades address issues related to: i) water filtration, ii) water
volume circulation, and iii) infrastructure piping.
Upon receiving the September 3rd, 2014 letter, city staff set out to identify options to i)
ensure continued operations of the pool in the short term, as well as ii) address the
issue of non-compliance of the pool over the long term. It was vital to find a short-term
solution to the non-compliance issue to allow the pool to remain open and to allow staff
the time to properly investigate and plan for a longer term solution, including budget
implications. A plan was formulated that would allow the pool to continue to operate for
the 2015 and 2016 seasons, and a long term solution was developed, including a cost
estimate, to renovate the pool that would meet current health regulation standards.
Short term solution
Working with regional health officials in 2014, city staff were able to come to an agreed
upon plan so the pool could operate for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. A modified
filtration system was put in place, including a mobile filtration vacuum, which was used
to improve the water quality. An ultra violet disinfection system was also installed to the
current pool infrastructure to aid with the sanitization of the pool water. Total cost of the
short term solution was approximately $25,000. City of Kitchener staff was able to
negotiate the approval of these modifications with health department staff, with the
understanding that this was a short term solution for 2 years. A permanent filtration
system and associated infrastructure would still be required for the continued operation
of the pool for the 2017 season and beyond.
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Long term Solution
Any long term solution to the pools non-compliance issues will require the complete
removal and replacement of the current pool's infrastructure including the basin.
Consideration has to be given to demolition and proper removal of all paint, asphalt and
piping, installation of new concrete, piping, specialized filtration and pumps as well as
upgrades to electrical and sanitary services. Considering the size of the pool, the
estimated cost of this renovation is significant.
It is important to note there is not an option to "do nothing" when considering the future
of the Kiwanis Park pool. Given the pool does not meet current regulations, failure to
make the necessary renovations to the pool would require the City to shut it down from
public use. Shutting down the pool and removing the current infrastructure would cost
an estimated $800,000.
Community Engagement:
Two long term designs for a renovated pool were developed and shared with the
community for comment. Both options considered the current shape and depth of
Kiwanis Pool, which is similar to a beach experience, with a large shallow area for
wading and passive play, ideal for families and swimmers of all ages. Option A is
similar to the current pool configuration, while option B considers a pool with greater
programming (lesson and lane swim) opportunities. Both options are estimated at the
same cost of$3.46 million.
Specifically, the following options were developed and provided to the public for
comment (See Appendix B):
• Option A — Similar configuration to the current pool. The beach entry and
shallow slope graduates to a 4 foot depth in the middle of the pool. The size of
the basin would remain the same which would also maintain current swimmer
capacity (up to 1,800 visitors in a day). This option also continues to support the
passive experience for visitors.
• Option B — A modified shape that includes a deep lane area for programming
and lane swimmers. This option includes a smaller beach entry area and a deck
area for relaxing. This shape allows for more programming options at the
expense of basin size, which would be smaller and would affect swimmer
capacity.
• Spray Features - Although spray features are not part of the current scope of
work in options A and B, and would add costs to the renovation (estimated at up
to $500,000), a significant renovation like this is the right time to consider the
potential addition of these elements. As such the community was asked to
comment on whether they thought the addition of spray features should be
considered at an additional cost.
Between August 27th and September 7th, 2015 the public were able to provide
feedback on their preferred design through an on line survey, or answering a survey in
person at Kiwanis Park, Harry Class pool, Breithaupt Centre and Lyle Hallman Pool. In
addition to this the Kiwanis Club was informed of the options and responded with a
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letter detailing their suggestions for the pools future. In their letter to the City of
Kitchener, the Kiwanis Club supported Option A, indicating that it best served the
passive nature of the park and pool, for those who might not be able to leave the city for
a beach, which they saw as important to the community.
Staff also consulted with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) regarding the
potential renovation of the pool. GRCA approved preliminary conceptual drawings
showing a pool, placed in the same area, using a similar footprint. Staff will continue to
consult with GRCA as appropriate.
Two thousand four hundred and twenty three (2,423) people responded to the Kiwanis
Park pool survey. Staff believes this high level of public participation in a relatively short
consultation period is a sign of the value the community puts on Kiwanis Park and on
the pool specifically. Of the respondents, approximately 70% were from Kitchener,
while the other 30% came from Waterloo (18%), Cambridge (3%) or other (9%). Of the
total respondents, 63% have visited the pool 1 to 5 times during the year, while 27%
visited the pool 6 or more times during the year. The remaining 9% who responded
have never visited Kiwanis Park.
The following chart outlines the results of the overall public consultation, describing
participants' option preference.
Results from all respondents (2,423)
Option A 1010 46%
Option B 1261 52%
Did not Answer 52 2%
Based on the results of this public consultation, there does not appear to be a clear or
strong preference of design for the renovated pool — although slightly more people did
choose Option B as their preference.
As part of the public consultation, a question was also asked if the public would want to
incorporate water spray features into the park/pool setting. During the public
consultation staff was clear that although this question was being asked, the priority
remained on meeting regulation compliance for the pool and the replacement of existing
infrastructure. Staff is not recommending the incorporation of spray features into the
current renovations unless funding can be found through partnerships with the private
sector, other government grants or the capital budget process. The following chart
outlines the results of the public input on this question:
Support for a splash pad area that
includes spray features (2,423)
Yes 2,070 85%
No 320 14%
Did not answer 33 1%
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Recommended Design:
Staff is recommending Option A as the preferred renovation considering the following
factors:
• Historically, a passive setting, where an all-day experience is the norm continues
to be very popular. Option A continues to serve this purpose more fully than
Option B.
• The 2006 Kiwanis Park Strategy identified very clearly that stakeholders were in
favour of the passive environment, without formal programs and/or competitive
sport venues. Option A is more in line with this overall vision for the park than is
Option B.
• On a hot day the pool is very busy and at its maximum capacity of swimmers.
Option A would continue to accommodate the same number of swimmers while
Option B would reduce the number of swimmers allowed into the pool on a busy
day.
• Depending on programming (e.g. swim lessons) Option B could amount to higher
staff resource needs/costs.
• From the public input received, there does not appear to be a clear indication that
a change in the basin (size and configuration) was wanted.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Community Priority: Quality of Life- "Our shared vision is for Kitchener to be a
community that invests in maintaining basic services in addition to amenities such as
community centre, museums, theatres, art galleries and leisure facilities..."
Sustainable Environment and Infrastructure: "We will have well planned,
managed, and cost effective infrastructure systems that support long-term
community needs for services, harnessing the benefits of nature through green
infrastructure programs to create a healthy urban environment."
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
During 2015 capital budget deliberations, staff brought an issue paper forward (CAP 07
— Kiwanis Park Pool Legislated Upgrades) for council's consideration and $1 million
dollars was approved for pool renovations at the park. In the staff issue paper, it was
recognized that the pool was not in compliance with health regulations, and in order to
operate the pool in future years significant renovations would have to be completed. At
the time, the extent of the resources required for the renovation was not yet known,
however $1 million was placed in the capital budget, acknowledging it as an estimate
until further details would be determined throughout 2015.
A much more extensive analysis of the pool renovation has now been completed, and a
more accurate budget estimate developed. Considering all project costs, including
demolition and removal, construction, and all fees and contingencies, the estimated cost
is $3.46 million.
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In May 2015 staff brought forward report FCS-15-085, Canada 150 Community
Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) Contribution Application, recommending that the
Kiwanis Park pool rehabilitation be considered as priority two under the Canada 150
Community Infrastructure application. City of Kitchener was requesting $1 million, the
maximum request allowed under the program, for an estimated $3.5 million project. It
would appear that this application was unsuccessful.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO Community Services
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Appendix A
PUBLIC I HALIA
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Walorloo M N2J 40 Canada
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Fax:1519 883 Mi
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September 3,20 A
Michael wigzell
Suj,wlVi,soj 01 1 a.Jlity AliMCIVInCe
Cily("ll,Kildwrier,Colpalilte S'ervic'es Delmollivia
200 King Strem,-1"'floor
Kitchener,ON N20 4G7
RE:Kiwaniis Park Pool
Dcar Ma.Michael 1M1wig/4"11,
Curmnoly,K iwrmi,, Park Pool has,a w6rculailion System widim.9 fifteen M per We MmIdt llroleoion and
Pronu,wonAc r RY 0 090, Public Pools Regidevion 565;
scoiml I(c),recirotdal ion sywm is defined as,
"a s imlem rhor provhleS cowinumis treemnelir Mot and cliforinonom or brominfgion arld
other jynwesse,s rhal may be a,jerrssrwyfi)r the treewment o,i the, ivorer",
hi aLklition,Section,6(2)Miles that every owact,and every operator sirffl,
(C)"e"u"ej,"Ifiv voppagefin,nwintell'unce, lepairs oo bwkwr4Wihtj,,,qffiiter.ti m,fi.,w ct a
continuous period(,Y,vvert di,.q)or mote,ensure Mut the syslem and lite cIlcwulwlftederu ore
in contunwous operation flmneghout i)u?mvi;e tivewy-fipur hours q/each day withco(i regard w die darmiml
e,�j acmal um cp(the poele each(lei
y
arid ens
,ure alai,
(i)"in as 0ass A pool thur was r.-onsrmcted qfier the.30th day 4,�'Apr id, 1974,,a volume qfwewre)new less rhml
hww,linies the twal ewpewEiy qf the peAW isfiltered, and paued thi ough the pool euch day",
Therel'ore,it us a Iecluicemeill wo luvC Mu 01VItAlional filtration sy""Iern in the pl'.Iol Region of Waterhx,)PIAllic
J teaflh ran(Jllices You Io c�ofalply willi the above melltionml sections of the Public Pool Regntlahuri 565,prior
It)opercifing in dic year 2015.
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#you have aye hr questions mp a please contact a at 5 l9-5-0 eKag1
Sincerely, «;
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IV Dish iBAR, !!
Abli Health Inspector
Region of Waterloo Puma Health
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Appendix B
Kiwanis Park Pool Options for Public Feedback
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