The Edmond Sun

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August 30, 2010

City OKs pool project

James Coburn The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — An interlocal cooperative agreement between the City of Edmond and Edmond Public Schools for the development and operation of a competitive swimming pool at Mitch Park was approved unanimously by the City Council Monday morning.

Edmond schools will contribute $10 million in construction funding for the addition to the recreational facility, said Larry Stevens, city manager.

“It will involve the construction of an 8-lane, 50-meter swimming pool with seating up to 800 spectators,” Stevens said. “It also will provide a variety shared space that could include a lobby area, a public restroom and locker room facilities.”

Edmond Public Schools will also provide up to $50,000 annually for the first five years of the building’s operating expenses, Stevens said. At the end of five years, the city and the schools will re-evaluate their agreement based on the expenses and revenues received from the project.

“We definitely intend to try to use the facility with other contracts or sponsorships when the school district is not using that,” Stevens said. “We believe the facility certainly has the potential to be a regional destination for swimming events and a significant boost to our economy as a result of that.”

Edmond Public Schools will lose the use of the Oklahoma Christian University pool when its contract expires in two years, said David Miller, city councilman.

The time frame for the competitive pool depends on a December bond election for funding the project. Also, the interlocal agreement must be submitted to the Office of Attorney General for approval.

Councilman Wayne Page pointed out the city is providing the land for the school’s swimming facility as well as the infrastructure that includes a parking lot and additional road access. Page said he does not know how much the city’s investment in the competitive swimming pool will cost taxpayers. Stevens quantified the city’s financial contribution as significant.

This agreement comes after a $12 million agreement made last week between the city and the YMCA, Stevens said. The City and the YMCA will each contribute $6 million for their joint recreation center at Mitch Park. City funds are to be paid for by money reserved from the 2000 capital improvement sales tax.

A non-competitive swimming pool will be part of the city’s project with the YMCA.

The city will own the facility but will provide a 20-year lease to the YMCA with an additional two 10-year renewals. Maintenance and operating expenses will be paid by the YMCA. And the city will be responsible for the structural integrity and exterior care of the building, said Steve Commons, assistant city manager.

The concept plan between the city and the YMCA should be ready in October, according to city documents.



jcoburn@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 114

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