HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-10-2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda PacketIf you will need disability-related accommodations to participate in this program/event, please contact
Gabe Gotera, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department at 319-356-5210 or ggotera@iowa-city.org.
Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Public Comment for each item will be limited to 3 minutes for each person and a total for no more than 30
minutes per item. Written comments submitted to parksandrecreation@iowa-city.org, prior to 5 p.m. on
Monday, April 08, 2024, will be distributed to the Commission in advance of the meeting.
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 14, 2024, MINUTES
ITEM 3 PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The Commission cannot engage in discussion or debate. However, once the
commenter has left the stand, the Commission may ask staff to respond to
a concern or question posed by the public, or to follow up with the speaker.
ITEM 4 STATUS UPDATE FOR PARK PROJECTS – Hitchcock Design Group; Eric Hornig
a) Mercer Park & City Park Pickleball/Tennis Courts
b) Mercer Park Athletic Fields
c) Terrell Mill Roller Park
ITEM 5 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Parks and Recreation Director – Juli Seydell Johnson
b) Parks & Forestry Superintendent – Tyler Baird
ITEM 6 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 7 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 8 ADJOURN
Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
5:00 p.m.
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center – Meeting Room B
220 S Gilbert Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 14, 2024
PROCTER & GAMBLE ROOM – MERCER PARK AQUATIC CENTER
Members Present: Alex Hachtman, Alex Stanton, Virginia Hayes, Caleb Recker, Rachel
McPherson, Missie Forbes
Members Absent: Connie Moore, Brian Morelli, Aaron Broege.
Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Gabe Gotera, Nolan Butkowski, Alex Lorack, Bill
Lane
Others Present: Mitzi Read, Judie Hermsen, Sue Protheroe, Margaret Cretzmeyer, Mary
Helen Stefaniak, Donald P. Spellman, Sharon Degraw
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Hachtman called the meeting to order at 5:08 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Recker, seconded by Stanton, to approve the January 10, 2024, minutes. Motion
passed 6-0 (Moore, Morelli, and Broege absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None
CITY PARK POOL UPDATE: PHASE 2 PUBLIC INPUT – Dir. Seydell Johnson
Dir. Seydell Johnson presents the attached PowerPoint presentation.
Commissioner Hayes, regarding Option A, asks what activity would see 6 lanes closed to 2-3
lanes. Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that during open swim hours, half of the lanes would stay
open throughout the day for lap swim, while the other half would be used for open swim. Seydell
Johnson adds that the lanes could see split use between different programs, such as aqua fitness
and swim lessons. Hayes ask what the hours of operations for lanes would be. Seydell Johnson
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 14, 2024
Page 2 of 8
responds with the project goal being 2 years away, it is too early in development to give specific
operation hours.
Commissioner Stanton, regarding Option A, asks if the activity pool is just shallower and open
with nothing going into it. Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that it would be like a beach front entry
with some bubblers/sprayers near the entrance. Seydell Johnson says that could be the possibility
of a small kiddy slide if the budget allows it but iterates that the current channel would be the
primary kids’ activity in this option. Stanton asks what the depth is in the area around the current
channel. Seydell Johnson responds that the depth would be in the range of 3 to 3-1/2 feet.
A member of the public asks what “Lap Lanes Available All Day” means. Dir. Seydell Johnson
responds that nothing is set in stone yet, but that all day refers to anytime that there are not youth
swimming lessons. Seydell Johnson says this would probably mean 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. except for
the time frame in the morning when there are youth swim lessons, and the occasional evening
swim lesson. Seydell Johnson adds that the lap lanes would be available for water walking or
swimming.
Dir. Seydell Johnson clarifies that there is no recommendation to be made by the commission.
Seydell Johnson adds that after public comment, she will answer what questions she is able to at
this time.
Chairman Hachtman opens the floor for public comment.
Margaret Cretzmeyer asks, if there is to be a smaller number of lap lanes, what is the width of
the lap lanes? Cretzmeyer says that typically, there are two or three people sharing a lap lane at
the same time. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that she does not know the exact measurement, but that
they are meant to be the width of a standard lap lane separated with lane lines.
Judie Hermsen asks for confirmation that the decision will not require a bond vote, and that City
Council will decide on the final concept design. Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that the current
intent is for the decision to not go to bond, but clarifies that it is still an option, but an unlikely
one. Hermsen asks what the depth of the children’s activity area is. Seydell Johnson answers that
the children’s activity area will start at a zero depth/beach front entry and go up to 3-1/2 to 4 feet
at the far end.
Sue Protheroe acknowledges and thanks Dir. Seydell Johnson for the work that has been put into
this task. Protheroe introduces herself as chairperson of City Park Pool: Back to the Future (CPP:
BTF), a group of about 100 pool users that are diverse in terms of gender, age, and swimming
ability who came together about a year ago, coalesced around one fundamental belief, that a new
pool must serve the needs of all users. Protheroe says that the concept designs are very close to
this belief. Protheroe cites the BerryDunn report which said that “the features receiving the most
consistent high-need responses from focus group participants were zero-depth entry, shade, lap
lanes at 50-meters & 25-yards, and private changing areas” which Protheroe describes as being
entirely consistent with the vision of CPP: BTF. Protheroe emphasizes the need for 8 50-meter
lap lanes, noting that the current City Park Pool has 8 or 9 lanes, depending on how one counts.
Protheroe says that she understands the logic of having fewer lanes open all the time, but that the
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 14, 2024
Page 3 of 8
reality is that a large group of people need lap lanes to swim before or after work, and during the
lunch hour. Protheroe says that the community is growing and that the swing for fitness is
becoming increasingly popular, showing that the number of lap lanes cannot decrease. Protheroe
highlights the need for 25-yard lanes, referring to the BerryDunn report as speaking of the
importance of including shorter distance lanes for certain types of users who shouldn’t be
ignored. Protheroe says that CPP: BTF’s recommendation is to the use survey results to see what
shapes appeal to the most people then tweak the design to include 8 lanes of 50-meter, 25-yard
capabilities, and zero depth entry.
Mary Helen Stefaniak voices both a question and a concern. Stefaniak, regarding the children’s
activity area, asks if the current channel/playground features will take up most of the pool area.
Stefaniak says that ‘children's activity’ sounds good but is concerned that in Options A-C she
does not see a place where parents can play with their non-toddler children, 9-12 year olds who
want to dive for toys and show their parents what they can do in terms of swimming, or where a
parent can keep their children afloat while teaching them to swim. Stefaniak says that these are
the most precious part of City Park Pool for those who raise their own children through daily use
of the pool over many summers. Stefaniak says that the things that you can do together with your
kids are conducive to making them comfortable in the water, and preparing them for swimming,
but that a person can’t do that in the lap lanes or in the current channel. Stefaniak is concerned
that if there are no options for 25-yard lap lanes, then many people who currently lap swim,
won’t be able to lap swim any longer because they just can’t go 50-yards. Stefaniak says these
people won’t even be able to swim in the pool at all because they need a place where they can
swim a short distance. Stefaniak says that sometimes these people who use the 25-yard lap lanes
aren’t lap swimming and will swim across and then hang out or sunbathe before swimming
across again. Stefaniak wants to make sure that there is a place for people to actually swim in the
swimming pool.
Dir. Seydell Johnson, explains that the current channel or play structures will take up roughly 25-
30% of the children’s activity area, and that during open swim hours half of the lap lanes would
be dedicated for open swim where patrons can partake in the activities that Stefaniak described.
Seydell Johnson addresses that concern for people that are unable to swim the full 50-meter and
reminds that the lap lanes are shallow water (3-½ to 5 ft), so a lap swimmer at any point can
stand up and walk the rest of the way. Seydell Johnson understands that that is not the ideal
transition from 25-meter to 50-meter but explains that it is a big difference than having to go the
full 50-meters in the current pool, where half of the distance is over the deep-water area where
you can’t stop. Seydell Johnson states that there are still 25-meter lap lanes available at the
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Pool year-round, and there are 25-meter and the occasional 50-
meter lap lanes available at Mercer Park Aquatic Center. Seydell Johnson explains that there are
still many opportunities for lap swimming in the area, but that it may not happen the same at
every location.
Commissioner Recker asks how feedback has guided the choices between the current channel or
the playground structures. Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that initial feedback was simply that
there was a want for children’s activity areas and that these concept designs show two different
possibilities for people to give further feedback on.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 14, 2024
Page 4 of 8
Commissioner Forbes asks logistically how soon details would be known for any sort of joint
meeting with the city council. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that staff won’t likely have an answer
until after seeing how much and what kind of feedback is gathered over the next several weeks.
Seydell Johnson predicts that towards the end of February or early March, she will speak with
the City Manager and the Mayor to get a target date schedule with enough advance notice for the
Parks and Recreation Commissioners to schedule for.
Commissioner McPherson acknowledges that the design is not at the point to determine how
many swim meets will be at the new City Park Pool and asks how many swim meets have been
at City Park Pool in the past. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that she can answer that there are no
intended swim meets to happen at City Park Pool and that it is not being built as a competition
pool at all due to the designed depth. McPherson asks how often are the swim lessons, that the
lap lanes would be closed for. Seydell Johnson responds that swim lessons happen for the entire
summer season and generally run for a couple hours in the morning and sometimes in the
evening. McPherson asks for confirmation that the swim lessons would take up all the lanes.
Seydell Johnson confirms this and explains that it is less for the space and more to ensure that
instructors can keep the attention of the kids. Seydell Johnson clarifies that these described hours
are not set in stone but are rather to give the expectation that lap lanes won’t be available during
swim lessons. Commissioner Hayes asks if this is the current case with swim lessons at City Park
Pool. Seydell Johnson responds that this is the current procedure to clear the pool of any
potential distractions during swim lessons.
Commissioner McPherson says that she is learning about the significance of the 25-meter lap
lane and asks about how they are used to turn better as she heard earlier in the meeting. Dir.
Seydell Johnson explains that when a person is swimming in a 25-meter lap lane, they will have
something to push off at both ends of the lane. Seydell Johnson says that patrons will tend to
either really like either short course or long course, but that staff are not sure specifically on how
much of that mix are water walkers or other users that would be just as well served by the
shallow water lanes.
Chairman Hachtman asks about the bathhouse and scalability, wondering if there are measures to
ensure a large enough space that can accommodate for an increase in attendance that Hachtman
anticipates due to excitement for a new pool and features. Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that
there is a lot more design work to be done on the facility, and that the concept designs are to give
the Commission the key idea of things that staff want to include. Hachtman asks what the
difference in cost-of-maintenance between the designs are, wondering if there is a lot of
variability or if there one that is more efficient for longer terms. Seydell Johnson says that the
concept designs would be a money-saver but that it is hard to quantity specifically at this point.
Seydell Johnson says that it’s hard to compare to the current operating costs of City Park Pool
since so much water is lost every day. Seydell Johnson says that staff figures found that $31,000
was spent on chemicals in 2023 to operate City Park Pool. If the concept designs had roughly
half the water, due to a 40% smaller pool and not leaking 50,000 gallons a day, then it would
save roughly $15,000. Seydell Johnson clarifies that this math is a rough on-the-spot estimate.
Seydell Johnson says that the bigger savings would be in the construction, explaining that the
size of the pumps and filters are dependent on the size of the pool, and that the size of the pump
and filter maintenance, would directly correlate with the cost of the operating fees. Seydell
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 14, 2024
Page 5 of 8
Johnson adds that there would be huge savings just from updating the current equipment which
is 20-25 years old. New technology has filtration systems that don’t dump as much water every
time that they are cleaned, and UV disinfection system which will require less chemicals.
Commissioner McPherson asks what other uses there are for the deep-water pool area besides
diving. Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that deep water fitness and deep-water jogging would be a
common use of deep-water pool. Seydell Johnson says that it will be a comparatively smaller
space but that it will be more suited to the level of actual diving use as opposed to the huge space
that is there now. Seydell Johnson adds that when the diving well is open for diving, that is all it
will be used for.
Commissioner Forbes expresses concerns that if the parking at City Park Pool will remain the
same, how will the increased attendance from both the new pool and the new rentable
community room be mitigated. Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that during the summer there
would be overlap between groups using the pool and the community room for pool/birthday
parties. Seydell Johnson says that when speaking with day-camp & childcare groups, it was
found that groups were excited to use community room when they are already coming to use the
pool. Seydell Johnson explains that staff’s vision is for the community room to benefit the use of
the park throughout the rest of the year as well, giving year-round heated programing space and
restrooms. Seydell Johnsons adds that the lack of increase to parking was a factor in the size and
bather-load for the concept designs. Chairman Hachtman asks, if parking will be the same, will
the sidewalks be updated for accessibility. Seydell Johnson points that the concept for new
pathways and drop-offs can be seen on all 4 designs, which will be developed further by the
landscape architects, Hitchcock Design Group later in the project. Seydell Johnson clarifies that
there will be a change to add more accessibly marked parking spots. Commissioner McPherson
asks if it is possible for pool users to park in Lower City Park. Seydell Johnson confirms that that
is an option.
Chairman Hachtman appreciates the attention on lap lanes in the concept designs and from the
public comment. Hachtman asks if there is a question or prompt related to lap lanes in the
survey. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that the survey will have the four concept designs, asking
specific questions on each design before having people rank in order the concept designs.
Seydell Johnson explains there are not any lap lane specific questions but that there are questions
about how people will use the pool, which includes lap lanes and lap swimming as options.
Seydell Johnsons adds that there will be questions on time of use for specific pool uses. This data
would be used to determine when lap swimming is desired the most during the day. Seydell
Johnson says that it is as 10-12 question survey which should take 10 minutes and will include
an open-ended box at the end of the survey where people can write any notes/questions that they
may have. Hachtman voices excitement and is looking forward to seeing the results of the
survey.
Commissioner Hayes asks if the designers had considered adding a 25-meter lap lane to any of
the pool designs, specifically to the side of the 50-meter lap lanes. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that
designers have considered just about everything, but that this kind of feedback is what
consultants are looking for and would want to hear about at the Feb. 29 open-house. Seydell
Johnson explains that any concept designs that included 25-meter lap lanes, only had 25-meter,
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 14, 2024
Page 6 of 8
and did not have any 50-meter lap lanes. Seydell Johnson clarifies, that this does not rule out a
mixed lap-lane design. Hayes points out that it any of the 4 concept designs look like they could
have two 25-meter lap lane added on. Seydell Johnson says that at the current cost estimate, this
would likely result in less 50-meter lanes, where anything added will take away something else
in the design.
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF:
Parks & Recreation Director – Juli Seydell Johnson
Park Projects: Dir. Seydell Johnson gives updates on various ongoing park projects. The public
input meeting and survey for the Terrell Mill Skate Park has concluded, with concept designs
expected within the next month. The old pickleball/tennis courts have all been cleared away.
Seydell Johnson says that staff don’t have a new estimate for date of completion, but are hopeful
that if weather stays consistent, the courts will come along quick.
Seydell Johnson announces several park projects that will take place over the upcoming summer.
College Green Park is set to receive a new playground and sport-court. Seydell Johnson clarifies
that this will not be a full park renovation. Brookland Park will be celebrating it’s 100-year
anniversary this summer and will be getting a new playground and new accessible paths. There
will be a small new park developed off Shannon Drive, southwest of West High School, and will
include a playground and shelter. Calder Park on Hickory Trail will receive new accessible paths
that will connect the street to the playground and to the new neighborhood development,
Monument Hills. Seydell Johnsons says that work is ongoing for the Mercer Athletic Fields,
which has recently had the lights replaced on Field 1. Seydell Johnson says that staff are working
with the school district for the redesign of both Field 1, the baseball field, and Field 4, which will
become the varsity softball field. Seydell Johnson explains that the upcoming baseball season
will be allowed to happen as normal and will then be followed by construction start around mid-
late summer.
CHAIRS REPORT:
Chairman Hachtman brings to attention that the March commission meeting would be held
during the middle of Spring Break for both the Iowa City School District and the University of
Iowa. Hachtman says that he is unsure about the availability of the other commissions but states
that he will be unavailable for that meeting date. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that staff can work
with the commission to determine if the meeting date would need to be adjusted or not.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Commissioner Forbes explains that she has worked on the Commission for several years on
many different projects and concepts. Forbes says that it’s been an incredible process to watch
and congratulates the department and their team for all the hard work put into this project.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 14, 2024
Page 7 of 8
Commissioner Hayes recalls that branch pickup after the storm was a discussion point at the
January Commission meeting. Hayes describes still seeing many downed branches, specifically
from private trees, asking if Sanitation can assist with pickup as the Forestry division is already
stretched thin. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that she will have to check with public works regarding
assistance. Seydell Johnson comments that with the snow recently melting, more branches have
become visible.
Commissioner McPherson reiterates her interest in the possibility of an all-female swim
sometime at Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, asking what steps would need to be taken and
how herself and others can help with the process. Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that in the
absence of Recreation Supt. Barker, she will have to check with staff for an answer. Seydell
Johnson explains that it has been done in the past, so it could be possible.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Hachtman adjourns the meeting at 6:21 p.m.
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February 14, 2024
Page 8 of 8
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting
LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum * = Not a member during this meeting
NAME
TERM
EXPIRES
03
/
0
8
/
2
3
04
/
1
2
/
2
3
05
/
1
0
/
2
3
06
/
1
4
/
2
3
07
/
1
2
/
2
3
08
/
0
9
/
2
0
2
3
09
/
1
3
/
2
0
2
3
10
/
2
7
/
2
0
2
3
11
/
0
9
/
2
0
2
3
12
/
1
3
/
2
0
2
3
01
/
1
0
/
2
0
2
4
02
/
1
4
/
2
0
2
4
Aaron
Broege
12/31/24 * * X NM X X X
X X X X O/E
Missie
Forbes
12/31/25 LQ X X NM O/E X X X O/E X X X
Alex
Hachtman
12/31/24 LQ X X NM X X X X X X X X
Virginia
Hayes
12/31/27 * * * * * * * * * * X X
Rachel
McPherson
12/31/26 LQ X X NM X X X X X X X X
Connie
Moore
12/31/25 LQ X X NM O/E X X X X X X O/E
Brian
Morelli
12/31/25 LQ X X NM X X X O/E O/E X X O/E
Caleb
Recker
12/31/26 * * * * * * * X X X O/E X
Melissa
Serenda
12/31/23 LQ X X NM X X X X X X * *
Alex
Stanton
12/31/27 * * * * * X X X O/E X X X
02/14/2024
1
CITY PARK POOL
Project Update
2023‐2025
Juli Seydell Johnson
Director of Parks & Recreation
Parks &Recreation Commission
February 14, 2024
PROJECT STEPS
1.Choose Project Consultant Team‐Done!
2.Assess Current Condition of Pool –Done!
3.Council Presentation & Decision to Repair or Replace –Done!
4.Public Input –Phase 1 –Done!
5.PublicSurvey –Concept Designs –February 15 –March8,2024
6.PublicOpen House –Thursday,February 29, 2024
7.Concept Design Chosen by City Council –Likely May 2024
8.ConstructionJanuary –December 2025
2
1
2
02/14/2024
2
GOALS OF PROJECT
1.Provide community recreation experiences for a wide range of users.
2.Provide increased independent accessibilityto allwater experiences.
3.Provide shade inseveral areas of the deckandsome inthewater areas.
4.Provide designandoperating efficienciesthatsupport the Cityof Iowa Cityclimateaction
goals.
5.Maximizeefficiency of lifeguards.
6.Promote thevision“Every childlearns how toswim.”
7.Welcome users of allbackgrounds with specificattentionto facilityentry patterns,
shower/changing andrestroom design.
8.Evaluatethe potentialmerging of the outdoor park restrooms andyear‐round recreation
programming spaceintotheswimmingpool facility.
9.Limitthe construction area generally within thefence line/siteplanof the current pool.
PROJECT PROMOTION & UPDATES
Icgov.org/jumpin
3
4
02/14/2024
3
VISIONING EVENTS ATTENDANCE
Oct 27 – 2-4 p.m. at Mercer/Scanlon Rec Center
•35 People Attended – All White
•7 Ages 30-59/ 28 Ages 50+
•9 Male / 26 Female
Oct 27 – 5:30-7:30 p.m. Family Halloween Event
•460 People Attended
•57% White/43% Non-White
•225 Male / 230 Female / 5 Non-Binary
•216 Ages Under 13 / 16 Ages 14-19 /
42 Ages 20-29/ 163 Ages 30-49 / 23 Ages 50+
IDEA GENERATION OPEN HOUSES
5
6
02/14/2024
4
ON-LINE VERSION – VISIONING SURVEY
On-line Version Available on Project Website
November 1-14, 2023
- 327 Online Responses Received
NOVEMBER FOCUS GROUPS
•327 Registrations Received
•227 People Selected to Participate
•14 Focus Groups
•137 People Attended a Focus Group
•44 People Complete On-line Version
7
8
02/14/2024
5
PHASE 1 PUBLIC
INPUT -
PREFERENCE
SUMMARY
•Maintain Park Setting – Wide open, traditional, and trees.
•Multi-use. Multi-generational.
•Separate Activity Areas
•Zero Depth Entry – Increased Independent Accessibility
•Shade
•50 M Lap Lanes
•25 M Lap Lanes
•Diving Boards
•Children’s Play Area
Bath House – Initial Draft Concept
Included with all four options.
Mechanical/Filters move to separate
building
Small classroom sized Community Room
(733 sf)
9
10
02/14/2024
6
Original
Option D
“L” Shaped Pool
Option C
Three Pools
Option B
Free Form Activity
Pool – Option A
Cost
Bather Load
Water Savings
Separate Program Areas
Accessible Zero-depth Entry
Children Activity Area
25 M Lap Lanes
50 M Lap Lanes
50 M Lap Lanes Available All Day*
Low + High Diving Boards
Deck Space for Chairs + Sunbathing
Additional Shade
Minimal Tree Impact
Designed Within Current Fence Line
New Bathhouse + Mechanical Building
COMPARISON FACTORS
*Except during youth swim lessons
Original“L” Shaped PoolThree PoolsFree Form Activity Pool
Cost
Bather Load
Water Savings
Separate Program Areas
Accessible Zero-depth Entry
Children Activity Area
✔Shared Open SwimXXX25 M Lap Lanes
50 M Lap Lanes
50 M Lap Lanes Available All Day*
✔✔✔✔Low + High Diving Boards
✔✔✔✔Deck Space for Chairs + Sunbathing
✔✔✔✔Additional Shade
✔✔✔✔Minimal Tree Impact
✔✔✔✔Designed Within Current Fence Line
✔✔✔✔New Bathhouse + Mechanical Building
ITEMS AVAILABLE WITH ALL OPTIONS
*Except during youth swim lessons
11
12
02/14/2024
7
Free Form Activity
Pool – Option A
$18.39MCost
975Bather Load
34% Less
495,600 gallons
Water Savings
✔Separate Program Areas
✔Accessible Zero-depth Entry
✔Children Activity Area
X25 M Lap Lanes
6Lanes50 M Lap Lanes
✔2-3 Lanes All Day*50 M Lap Lanes Available All Day*
✔Low + High Diving Boards
✔Deck Space for Chairs + Sunbathing
✔Additional Shade
✔Minimal Tree Impact
✔Designed Within Current Fence Line
✔New Bathhouse + Mechanical Building
OPTION A – FREE FORM ACTIVITY POOL
*Except during youth swim lessons
13
14
02/14/2024
8
Three Pools
Option B
$17.94MCost
881Bather Load
39% Less
458,555 gallons
Water Savings
✔Separate Program Areas
✔Accessible Zero-depth Entry
✔Children Activity Area
X25 M Lap Lanes
6Lanes50 M Lap Lanes
✔2-3 Lanes All Day*50 M Lap Lanes Available All Day*
✔Low + High Diving Boards
✔Deck Space for Chairs + Sunbathing
✔Additional Shade
✔Minimal Tree Impact
✔Designed Within Current Fence Line
✔New Bathhouse + Mechanical Building
OPTION B – THREE POOL
*Except during youth swim lessons
15
16
02/14/2024
9
“L” Shaped Pool
Option C
$17.25MCost
825Bather Load
41% Less
443,700 gallons
Water Savings
✔Separate Program Areas
✔Accessible Zero-depth Entry
✔Children Activity Area
X25 M Lap Lanes
6Lanes50 M Lap Lanes
✔2-3 Lanes All Day*Lap Lanes Available All Day*
✔Low + High Diving Boards
✔Deck Space for Chairs + Sunbathing
✔Additional Shade
✔Minimal Tree Impact
✔Designed Within Current Fence Line
✔New Bathhouse + Mechanical Building
OPTION C – “L”SHAPED POOL
*Except during youth swim lessons
17
18
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10
OPTION D - ORIGINAL
Original
Option D
$19.56MCost
1,082Bather Load
751,572 gallons
No water savings.
Water Savings
XSeparate Program Areas
XAccessible Zero-depth Entry
XChildren Activity Area
X Shared Open Swim25 M Lap Lanes
8-9 Lanes
(3-4.5 hours per day)
50 M Lap Lanes
X50 M Lap Lanes Available All Day*
✔Low + High Diving Boards
✔Deck Space for Chairs + Sunbathing
✔Additional Shade
✔Minimal Tree Impact
✔Designed Within Current Fence Line
✔New Bathhouse + Mechanical Building
*Except during youth swim lessons
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02/14/2024
11
COMPARISON OF OPTIONS
Original
Option D
“L” Shaped Pool
Option C
Three Pools
Option B
Free Form Activity Pool
– Option A
$19.56M$17.25M$17.94M$18.39MCost
1,082825881975Bather Load
751,572 gallons
No water savings.
41% Less
443,700 gallons
39% Less
458,555 gallons
34% Less
495,600 gallons
Water Savings
X✔✔✔Separate Program Areas
X✔✔✔Accessible Zero-depth Entry
X✔✔✔Children Activity Area
X Shared Open SwimXXX25 M Lap Lanes
8-9 Lanes
(3-4.5 Hours per Day)
6Lanes
(All 6 for 3-4.5 hrs/day)
6Lanes
(All 6 for 3-4.5 hrs/day)
6Lanes
(All 6 for 3-4.5 hrs/day)
50 M Lap Lanes
X✔2-3 Lanes All Day*✔2-3 Lanes All Day*✔2-3 Lanes All Day*50 M Lap Lanes Available All Day*
✔✔✔✔Low + High Diving Boards
✔✔✔✔Deck Space for Chairs + Sunbathing
✔✔✔✔Additional Shade
✔✔✔✔Minimal Tree Impact
✔✔✔✔Designed Within Current Fence Line
✔✔✔✔New Bathhouse + Mechanical Building
*Except during youth swim lessons
OPTION A - LIFEGUARD’S THOUGHTS
February 2024 Staff Meeting
“Option A - A current channel
would be nice for lessons and
accessible exercise. Separated
pools seem difficult for families to
be together.”
“Option A seems to be
coolest design.
B would be convenient for
each aspect of swimming.”
“Option A is a nice
option for ADA stuff,
plus it looks cool.”
“Option A fits many
people’s needs and wants.”
“I like having the
diving boards
separate from the
main pool.”
“I like Option A because
it hits every age group
and most activities.”
(3 lifeguards said this)27 Lifeguards Participated
14 – 5+ years experience•
•13 – Less than five years
experience
Option A – 15
Option B – 10
Option C – 2
Option D - 0
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02/14/2024
12
OPTION B – LIFEGUARD THOUGHTS
February 2024 Staff Meeting
“Option B because it is, frankly, it’s simply
annoying as a lap swimmer to have people
wander into your lane from the open swim
portion of the pool.”
“Option B because accidents will
close only one of the pools. It also
has safer, smaller guard coverage
zones.” “Easier zones for guards
to watch.”
“Option B because having the
pools separated will allow for
a higher degree of safety.”
“Option B because it has
lots of options that can be
used all at once.”
“Option B because
there is something for
everyone, so kids won’t
be getting in the way
of lap swimmers.”
FINAL NOTES
•Public Survey – Two Groups –February 16 – March 8, 2024.
•QR Code on Postcard
•Survey Link on icgov.org\jumpin
•Public Open House – Thursday, February 29 5:30-7:30 pm Mercer
•Phase 2 Feedback will inform staff recommendation and City Council
selection of a preferred concept.
•Staff anticipates a joint Parks & Recreation Commission and City
Council work session to review Phase 2 Feedback prior to selection.
(Late spring)
•Selected concept design will be further refined before bidding to
incorporate any additional direction from the City Council.
•Design Elements
•Budget Considerations
•Unknown Site Conditions
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24
02/14/2024
13
QUESTIONS
Juli Seydell Johnson
Parks & Recreation Director
JuJohnson@Iowa‐City.org
319‐356‐5104
FOCUS GROUP SELECTION
26
1. People who registered filled-out a questionnaire with several self-selecting questions.327 Received
2. Demographic information was collected to allow for balancing of groups to reflect community demographics.
3. Selection committee of three staff, a resident and a P&R Commission member made group selections without
seeing participant names, addresses, phone numbers or emails. Non Iowa City residents marked.
4. All registrations meeting criteria for a certain group were separated from over-all group. Preference was first
given to non-white registrants up to 5 participants per group of 20. The remaining spots were filled by rolling a
dice, then using the number rolled to select every (number) person from eligible list. Group chosen was then
checked for gender, race and age distribution. Adjustments were made if gender, race and age were far from
targets. Most were very close to targeted representation.
5. After 9 groups were chosen, demographics of both the selected and not selected were checked. It was
determined by the selection committee that representation was lacking from people under the Age of 29. A new
group was chosen from younger adults. The last group was assigned as folks older than 70 years of age since
many requests had been made from the public to have a specific group for this age group.
25
26
02/14/2024
14
FOCUS GROUP SCHEDULING
6. Self-reported availability was used to schedule the groups. Not all requests for certain times or dates were
accommodated.
7. 227 Invitations were emailed with a request for an RSVP.
•65 Male / 157 Female / 4 Non-Binary / 1 Other
•33 Non-White / 175 White / 18 Prefer Not to Answer
•3 Teens / 18 Ages 20-29 / 104 Ages 30-49 / 62 Ages 51-69 / 40 Ages 70+
•Self Reported Swimming Ability – 55 Expert / 156 Casual / 16 Non-Swimmers
•Self Reported Primary Activity at Pool – 10 Aqua Fitness / 10 Haven’t Been Recently / 79 Open Swim
58 Lap Swim / 2 Special Event / 5 Sunbathe / 30 Supervise Kids / 1 Swim Team / 10 Lessons
•110 Have Iowa City Swim Pass / 107 Do Not Have an Iowa City Swim Pass
6. Requests for a different time/date were accommodated, if group space allowed.
7. People who were not selected for focus groups, or who declined their invitation were emailed on on-line version
of the Focus Groups Questions which may be returned until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
10.137 People attended a focus group session. 44 People complete on-line version of focus group questions.
TARGETED GROUPS FOR FOCUS GROUP MEETINGS
Passholder/regular user ‐Families
Passholder/regular user ‐Lap/Fitness Swimmers
Passholder/regular user –Aqua Fitness/ Water Walking /WaterJogging
Teens
Infrequent Users –Younger Adults
Disability community
Childcare Providers ‐Daycares and summer camps
Members and allies of LGBTQ+ community
Swim lesson participant families who used a scholarship for lessons
Parks &Recreation Commission Members
City Aquatic Staff ‐supervisors, maintenance staff & lifeguards
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Ending Balance:$210,527.82
February 01, 2024 - February 29, 2024
Beginning Balance:$204,090.67
Total Fund Income:$6,485.58
Total Fund Expenses:$48.43
Community Foundation of Johnson County
City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Accounts
Iowa City Parks and Rec Endowment Fund
Statement Activity
Iowa City Parks and Rec Charitable Giving Fund
February 01, 2024 - February 29, 2024
Beginning Balance:$45,812.29
Total Fund Income:$0.00
Total Fund Expenses:$228.80
Ending Balance:$45,583.49
Statement Activity
Day Date 6-7a 7-8a 8-9a 9-10a 10-11a 11-12p 12-1p 1-2p 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p 5-6 p 6-7p 7-8p Daily Rec Totals Water Fitness Swim Lessons Event # Count Event Name
Friday 1-Mar 7 14 1 3 6 5 2 38 4 35 $2 Swim
Saturday 2-Mar 6 3 2 3 3 8 5 1 0 31 25 Pool Party
Sunday 3-Mar 0 52 20 $2 Swim
Monday 4-Mar 5 6 3 4 10 10 2 40 10 44
Tuesday 5-Mar 7 4 3 3 9 12 4 42 59 10 Water Mindfullness
Wednesday 6-Mar 7 4 1 8 11 7 2 40 12 49
Thursday 7-Mar 7 8 7 2 8 13 2 47 7 41
Friday 8-Mar 6 4 4 4 11 6 0 35 6 $2 Swim
Saturday 9-Mar 5 1 8 1 5 4 3 6 2 35 25 Sensory Swim
Sunday 10-Mar 0 28 16 $2 Swim
Monday 11-Mar 3 3 3 6 7 12 2 36 10
Tuesday 12-Mar 3 4 3 1 6 12 5 34 12 Water Mindfullness
Wednesday 13-Mar 7 3 6 11 10 10 4 51 8
Thursday 14-Mar 3 5 8 5 4 10 2 37 7
Friday 15-Mar 6 3 5 8 13 8 5 48 8 28 $2 Swim
Saturday 16-Mar 4 7 6 4 5 5 10 12 0 12 2 4 1 1 73 0 Pool Party (No Fill)
Sunday 17-Mar 15 3 2 7 6 3 36 16 $2 Swim
Monday 18-Mar 6 7 8 8 16 8 5 2 3 4 0 1 1 0 69 15
Tuesday 19-Mar 9 4 11 7 10 14 4 6 4 2 5 3 3 1 83 3 20 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 20-Mar 10 4 4 10 20 13 9 5 4 1 2 4 9 1 96 10
Thursday 21-Mar 4 9 7 3 16 13 8 4 1 3 3 6 2 0 79 11
Friday 22-Mar 11 3 5 5 8 7 2 2 7 3 4 57 7 23 Lifeguard Class / $2 Swim
Saturday 23-Mar 8 5 7 4 14 5 8 4 6 61 40 Lifeguard Class + Lucky Littles Swim Party
Sunday 24-Mar 0 78 34 Lifeguard Class / $2 Swim
Monday 25-Mar 8 8 3 7 9 8 10 12 5 2 4 76 11 79
Tuesday 26-Mar 11 7 10 6 11 14 6 16 3 6 1 91 77 14 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 27-Mar 12 7 5 10 10 9 8 5 2 5 2 75 12 83
Thursday 28-Mar 10 5 8 8 13 9 4 6 4 4 1 72 12 68
Friday 29-Mar 12 6 2 8 14 8 4 13 6 4 3 80 8 $2 Swim
Saturday 30-Mar 4 1 2 9 17 3 0 4 1 41 25 Pool Party
Sunday 31-Mar Facilities Closed
Grand Total
1503 147 658 357 2665
1391 48.5 4.7 21.2 11.5 86.0
Note: MPAC Closed March 16-31; RAL Hours extended
No Customer Service Staff.
Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - March 2024
Averages:
Totals:
Total Scans:
Day Date 6-7a 7-8a 8-9a 9-10a 10-11a 11-12p 12-1p 1-2p 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p 5-6 p 6-7p 7-8p Daily Rec Totals Water Fitness Swim Team Event # Count Event Name
Friday 1-Mar 7 6 8 10 16 5 7 5 10 3 4 6 12 1 100 105
Saturday 2-Mar 4 2 5 8 21 7 8 20 8 8 16 4 4 1 116 105 2 Paddleboard Class
Sunday 3-Mar 9 7 26 15 12 12 0 4 0 85
Monday 4-Mar 14 14 9 9 13 5 10 11 11 11 9 6 6 2 130 4 105
Tuesday 5-Mar 11 10 10 10 3 11 4 5 10 5 5 3 87 9 105 24 $2 Swim
Wednesday 6-Mar 7 12 11 6 13 5 9 10 7 2 6 4 11 2 105 105
Thursday 7-Mar 12 8 13 4 5 6 6 5 5 4 5 2 75 14 105 21 $2 Swim
Friday 8-Mar 7 13 8 14 12 4 7 8 14 5 6 7 0 5 110 105
Saturday 9-Mar 0 6 2 8 12 9 3 11 6 6 9 4 0 0 76
Sunday 10-Mar 8 3 14 14 22 15 5 3 0 84
Monday 11-Mar 7 9 9 9 4 12 10 9 6 7 9 11 9 3 114 5
Tuesday 12-Mar 8 6 7 6 14 7 6 14 8 4 11 0 91 8 24 $2 Swim
Wednesday 13-Mar 7 5 13 19 11 4 24 17 18 10 12 6 8 4 158
Thursday 14-Mar 2 7 10 20 15 37 6 19 13 7 2 0 138 14 22 $2 Swim
Friday 15-Mar 5 13 8 19 9 17 6 20 10 18 15 7 6 1 154 POOL CLOSURE 7:15PM
Saturday 16-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Sunday 17-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Monday 18-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Tuesday 19-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Wednesday 20-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Thursday 21-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Friday 22-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Saturday 23-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Sunday 24-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Monday 25-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Tuesday 26-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Wednesday 27-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Thursday 28-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Friday 29-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Saturday 30-Mar 0 POOL CLOSURE
Sunday 31-Mar 0 Facilities Closed
Grand Total
1623 54 735 93 2505
1231 52.4 1.7 23.7 3.0 80.8
Note: MPAC Closed March 16-31; RAL Hours extended 802
ICE = 106 (includes masters)25.9
Mercer Park Aquatic Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - March 2024
Totals:
Averages:
Total using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours
Average using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours
Total Scans:
1 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
April 2024
Upcoming Events
• Disability Health and Safety Expo – April 14, 2-4:30 pm; RAL
• Summer Registration – Begins April 16
• Iowa City Farmers Market – Season begins Saturday, May 4
• Pedal Power – May 19, 1-3 pm; TTRA Parking Lot
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks:
• We received our Tree City USA designation once again (44 years). We also received a Tree City USA
Growth Award for our substantial efforts to increase and improve the urban forest.
• Staff nominated the local Rotary Clubs for an Iowa Urban Tree Council award for all the funding and
planting assistance Rotary has provide in recent years. We are thrilled Rotary was selected to receive an
award for Outstanding Community Organization by the tree council.
• Public input for College Green, Brookland, and a new park located along Shannon Dr. will occur this
spring.
• Pickleball and tennis court construction continues, and completion timeline is July 15th.
• There will be a volunteer tree planting opportunity on Saturday, April 27th at 9:00 am. The planting will
occur at Oakland Cemetery and will be possible due to funds from the Heritage Tree Program. This
planting will be our Arbor Day celebration as well and all are welcome to join in the planting efforts.
• Seasonal staff positions are mostly filled.
• Construction of the single track bike trail is nearing completion and a grand opening ribbon cutting will
be held in June. It will be called the Ice House Single Track Trail to honor the history of the site.
• We are ready to kick off the planting season and have our plants ordered for spring planting of annuals,
perennial, and trees. The entry area at Mercer Park Aquatic Center will be the main focus of our
perennial planting this year.
Recreation:
• Garden plot registrations sold out quickly once opened to the public. Returning plot registrants have the
opportunity to renew before registration opens to the general public.
• Applications to the farmers market season have been strong with many returning vendors along with some
that will be new this year.
2 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
Facilities:
• City High Baseball field one LED light project is complete.
o Replaced all of field one lights with LED lights and added security lighting along back stop and third
base line.
o This was paid for by Sustainability funds.
• Facilities staff are working to get caught back up with projects and maintenance.
o Staff is starting to prepare for the summer cooling season.
• Riverside Festival Stage Construction is almost dried in & electrical is finishing up.
• Senior Center construction is on schedule.
o Completion should be sometime in June.
• Scanlon Gym Roof/Sky Lighting project is slated to go out for bid in the beginning of May.
o Work will be done during the summer months.
Cemetery:
• All equipment for the Spring/Summer season is ready for use.
• Staff will be working on our aeration and overseeding project as time/weather allows.
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Spring is busy with getting everything prepared for the season while onboarding new seasonal staff.
Recreation
• Staff is working on preparations for summer programs and securing appropriate staffing.
Facilities
• Staff has had roller coaster of facility issues over the last few months that have stretched our staff thin
but we are prevailing and making permanent needed fixes.
Cemetery:
• Staff will be repairing a retaining wall next to the patio deck that is bulging.
• Staff will also need to replace 3 water spigots in the cemetery before the water can be turned on.
3 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
Oakland
Cemetery
FY 24 Revenue Report
** shaded areas represent previous 5yr average
Revenue from Lot Sales Lot Sale 5yr
Average
# of
Interments
Interments
5yr avg.
Revenue
from
Interments
5-year Avg.
on
Interments
Total
Revenue
5yr Avg. on
total
revenue
July $6,750.00 $4,550.00 3 6.6 $2,642.50 $3,504.00 $9,392.50 $8,054.00
August $7,875.00 $7,039.00 7 7.0 $2,672.50 $4,321.50 $10,547.50 $11,360.50
Sept $7,860.00 $7,624.25 7 7.8 $3,085.00 $4,741.25 $10,945.00 $12,365.50
Oct $6,750.00 $11,157.00 9 7.0 $4,410.00 $3,899.50 $11,160.00 $15,056.50
Nov $4,270.00 $5,257.50 4 6.8 $3,065.00 $4,070.50 $7,335.00 $9,328.00
Dec $6,280.00 $2,390.50 2 5.8 $1,085.00 $3,511.00 $7,365.00 $5,901.50
Jan $5,295.00 $4,225.50 4 4.4 $2,500.00 $2,405.00 $7,795.00 $6,630.50
Feb $5,955.00 $3,914.00 3 3.8 $1,690.00 $2,798.70 $7,645.00 $6,712.70
March $9,450.00 $6,008.00 6 4.8 $3,640.00 $3,476.50 $13,090.00 $9,484.50
April
May
June
Totals $60,485.00 $52,165.75 45 54 $24,790.00 $32,727.95 $85,275.00 $84,893.70