Drake Springs Pool Summary
- The indoor aquatic center would be open approximately 360 days a year. The outdoor pool at Drake Springs was open 76 days last summer.
- The City has proposed a payment plan for the pool that will not require raising any taxes. The pool would be built along with other projects through our Quality of Life Bond, repaid with current sales tax dollars. Approximate cost is $12.2 million.
- The center will have a fitness pool with four 25-yard lanes and a diving board available for open swim the majority of the day. These times would mirror what we currently provide at our outdoor pools.
- It will have interactive play features for children and families like a waterslide, river current channel, and a bubble bench. It will also have a birthday party room and plenty of shallow water to accommodate even the youngest child and those with disabilities.
- It will have a variety of programs for seniors: water walking, water aerobics and therapeutic programs for residents challenged with arthritis, joint replacements, etc.
- The neighborhood will have a chance for additional input into the final design of the aquatic center and the park itself. Additional outdoor features like a sunbathing area, playground, basketball court, and picnic shelter may be added.
- Nelson Park is located an average of two miles from the following outdoor facilities: Terrace Park, Frank Olson, the Pioneer spray pool, and the McKennan Park wading pool.
- Parks and Recreation has determined that the usage numbers for the current Drake Springs pool are averaging 20,000 visitors over a five-year period. For comparison, comparable pools Spellerberg and Frank Olson average 30,000 visitors and Kuehn averages 40,000. Drake Springs attendance is on par with the McKennan Park wading pool.
- It will cost the same amount to use the indoor aquatic center as it does to use Terrace Park or Laurel Oak pools. Passes will be available daily, quarterly, or annually with free and reduced passes as well. Please see attached fee structure list.
