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Frequently Asked Questions *Updated as of 5/3/22 Why is the pool being reconstructed? Meyers Pool was built in 1979 and is reaching the end of its useful life as a community facility. While it was constructed to industry standards at the time, many of the materials have begun to deteriorate due to the natural moisture of an aquatics facility. In 2012, an engineering review on the facility determined temporary steps to maintain and repair the existing facility while a long-term replacement plan was developed. How will the new facility be different? What will the community benefits be? The new facility will be modernized and larger to provide more space for recreational and competitive swimming opportunities for the community. For recreational users, this means additional opportunities for programming like swim classes and other group activities. For competitive swimmers, this will expand the ability and convenience for holding large scale meets.* Some key improvement features include: ● Additional dedicated seating for spectators ● Secondary 25-yard pool for community use and programming ● Universal changing rooms to provide greater ADA accessibility and inclusive space for families ● Expanded parking capacity ● Designed to achieve LEED Silver certification ● Advanced filtration system to conserve water ● The diving area** includes: ○ Three 3-meter manufactured diving stands ○ Three 1-meter manufactured diving stands ○ On deck warming showers for use between dives ○ Cameras for recording dives and overhead safety harness for training purposes The new facility and additional amenities will provide the Arvada community with an asset that has the potential to draw in additional swimming competition and tourism while providing a modernized and high-quality facility for local competitive swimmers who call the facility “home.” *Many of these features qualify the facility for local and regional meets as well as the Speedo Sectionals and the USA Swimming Zone Championships. ---PAGE BREAK--- meter and 5 meter dive platforms are included in the project as an alternative. Pools For Kids has offered to raise funds to pay for the increased cost of the platforms. Upon receipt of that funding amount, the alternative will be authorized for the construction phase of the project. What is the timeline for completion? The project is anticipated to be largely complete by September 2024. Construction is estimated to begin in May 2023. The existing pool will remain open until the final phase of construction which is scheduled to begin in June 2024. At this time, the former pool will be demolished and the parking lot will be constructed in that space. What will the construction impacts be? Parking ● The current parking lot will be the location for the new pool. ● The handicap parking and drop off/pick up area will be available in their current locations during construction. ● The remaining parking lot will be closed. A new semi-temporary parking lot will be constructed in the field to the south of the current Meyers Pool. This parking will be available throughout construction. ○ A portion of this temporary lot will remain long term and a portion will be returned to park space along with additional landscaping after the project is complete. ● To mitigate congestion during swim competitions and events, additional parking instructions will be provided to swim coaches and relevant pool users. Detour signage will be in place around the pool area. Facility access ● The existing pool will remain open throughout the majority of construction of the new pool. During the final phase of construction, the pool will close and be demolished to transition the space into a new parking lot. ● Please see below for details on access to other Apex facilities during the closure. Will other facilities be available when the current Meyers Pool facility closes in the summer of 2024? Yes, Apex Park and Recreation members are welcome to use any of the other Apex facilities during the closure. The Apex Center is the only other facility with an indoor pool. However, the closure will be in place through the summer and additional outdoor pools will also be available during the outdoor swim season. Apex will work to provide information with pool users about any additional facility hours or programming details as summer 2024 approaches. Details and accommodations will be dependent on lifeguard and staff availability at that time. Please stay tuned and visit the Apex website for more information. ---PAGE BREAK--- How is this project being funded? The City of Arvada, Jeffco Public Schools, and Apex Park and Recreation District (Apex) have entered into an intergovernmental agreement to replace the Meyers Pool. The City and Jeffco are funding the project; Apex will continue to operate and maintain the facility. The $35 million loan is divided evenly between the City as the facility owner and Jeffco since its swimming programs are a primary user of the facility. What are the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for the new facility? The new facility will meet all accessibility standards currently adopted by the City of Arvada. The facility will also include: ● A companion qualified universal changing room ● An oversized elevator to access the additional spectator seating section ● The 25-yard, programmatic pool will have an ADA ramp for entry ● The 50-meter, competitive and lap swimming pool will have an ADA lift for access How was the decision made to keep the new facility at the current location? The decision was made using a variety of factors based on mutual interests from all three partner organizations and the current and future needs for the facility and the region. A 2018 feasibility study was conducted that took into account operational costs, staffing structure, market opportunities, and user preferences for amenities and site of the facility. Some of the deciding factors included: ● The location is a centrally located, highly populated area. ● The location is on the east side of the service area where there are fewer recreation amenities available, the area would be underserved by Apex facilities without this location. ● The location is well known for aquatics activities. ● The site is located near several schools who practice at the facility. ● The operating plan, which projects estimated revenue and expenses for a new facility, was feasible for the Apex Park and Recreation District. ● The ability to develop a “Meyers Pool-Warder Elementary School Campus Master Plan” with JeffCo Public Schools. The campus masterplan will reflect the larger replacement 50-meter pool, including additional parking, while also preserving and enhancing the campus-like feel that currently exists at this location. *The complete feasibility study can be provided upon request. How can I stay up to date on the project? We encourage community members to sign up for email updates. The City’s project webpage will also provide additional information and updates throughout the project.