The attached report of the March 26 meeting of the Como Pool Planning Task Force was compiled by Marsha Milgrom, District 10 representative to the task force. Contact Marsha atmmilgrom@msn.com if you would like to provide her input about the project.

See the City's Como Pool Replacement website for a description of the process and details about the project, including the latest draft designs.

For additional information, including draft project designs and videos of recent meetings, see materials posted by community member Art Ogelsby at www.comopark.us. Click on "Como Park swimming pool design" for information about the pool. This site also includes information about other issues related to Como Park.

Como Aquatic Center/Pool Replacement and Study Area Board Report

Submitted by Marsha Milgrom, District 10 Task Force Representative

• Turnout was good at the two public design charrettes March 18 and 19. The Como Pool Task Force

met for the fifth time March 26. Based on the March 19 feedback, USAquatics and Parks staff has

put together a final schematic, available by April 1, on the City’s website.

• Final plan is 3 separated bodies of water: 1) a 6-lane, 25-foot pool, with semi-perpendicular, 3-lane

25 meter new zip line lanes, and in the middle cliff jumping/diving; 2) a zero-entry wading area

(kiddie pool) and 3) a 400 long x 9-foot wide, winding lazy/crazy river with a slide.

• Total area is 68% more than previous, and is able to accommodate 89% more visitors at a time. By

state code, the current pool areas could accommodate 432 persons at a time by state code; the

proposed pool area will accommodate a maximum of 815 persons at a time. Turnover is roughly

every 3 hours. The current pool had been averaging slightly under 150 persons per day.

• The main area difference in area over previous pool is 2.5 times more space in the kiddie pool and the

added lazy river attraction, which serves 90 persons at one time. USAquatics has added more

landscaping detail, trying to give the entire area a more laid back versus crowded feel.

• Although the design must be to accommodate maximum visitors, Aquatics director has different

standards than maximum allowed by the state when it comes to lifeguarding. They would hope to

abide by these standards, however, private party rentals may sometimes exceed them.

• USAquatics consultants commented that these unique attractions boost revenue unlike other pools in

St. Paul. However, neither they, nor City Parks staff, were unable to provide specific numbers on

costs related to fee structure or party rental income at this time. Maintenance and operations costs are

not anticipated to be much higher than the previous pool, but remain to be estimated.

• Concession area will be in the SW area, also serving McMurray. Parks Director Mike Hahm has

commented that concessions and night lighting are both critical to Aquatic Center sustainability.

• Traffic for the pool entrance will now flow through Como at Lexington. See City plans for details of

Beulah and Como routing proposed changes, or contact Don.ganje@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

• The McMurray parking area, road changes and softball facilities revisions are part of a separate CIB

proposal. The pool could not be redeveloped without at least some road re-routing changes. It is not

yet clear how the projects would phase if not approved for funding at the same time.

• The CIB (capital improvement budget) committee ranks and approves projects the following Mondays

at 4:30, Central Library 4th Floor: March 30, April 6 and April 14. These meetings are open for

public observation but closed for public input. Tom Olasek is District 10 representative.

• The St. Paul City Planning Commission must then approve CIB recommendations. A public hearing

is tentatively scheduled for early June ‘09. Contact donna.drummond@ci.stpaul.mn.us

• August 5 or 12 the City Council will hear these recommendations. Check updates on City web, or ask

Councilmembers russ.stark@ci.mn.us, or lee.helgen@ci.mn.us. Mayor Chris Coleman will approve

final CIB budget decisions as recommended by the Council.

• Parks Commissioner Therese Kelly has suggested community members contact Parks Commissioners

for more public input. Parks Commissioners represent the entire city.