It’s looking pretty epic according to one of my kids. It’s looking a little luge-like to me. A loyal Overheardian sent this pic of the bomb of all slides going in at the University Park pool.
I must admit that I am very conflicted on this one. My kids are going to absolutely love this slide. Heck, I’m going to love sliding down it.
However, what did this thing cost the Parks Department? We already know that they love exorbitant design fees. I don’t want to come across as bah-humbug-Grinch here, but it does seem that the Parks department’s spending ways have gotten a little out of control.
bdad: All of the renovations to the pool were discussed in several city meetings over the course of two months. The parks department had to upgrade accessibility and filtration at the pool, and decided to redo a lot of the fixtures.
We wrote several stories about the overall costs of the pool, including design, which will run about $1.2 million (handicap accessible additions will cost about $84,000). The plan was approved in late September.
bdad: The installation of the water slide and a 3-meter board were part of the project’s base bid. A new pool liner and a new filtration system make up the bulk of that $750,000 figure. A growing maintenance concern, the pool’s existing liner was nearing the end of its 15 year lifespan.
The rest of the project’s expenditures, aside from $18,500 for the installation of a 1-meter board, are for other maintenance issues including: new pool lighting and shade structures, concrete upgrades near the front entrance to the complex, furnishing upgrades, painting upgrades and landscaping upgrades.
The 50-meter pool project was funded through the City’s ongoing Capital Improvements Program. Projects in that program are funded on a pay-as-you-go basis, without debt.
Last fall the City completed the sale of Potomac Park to SMU. The City recieved $2.1 million in that transaction. The City Council opted to use $1 million of that for the improvements to the Curtis Park pool complex, including the installation in 2009 of the children’s “Sprayground.” The money generated from the sale of Potomac Park was earmarked for park improvements by voters in 2007.
Joanna, I remember all of the discussions. I don’t remember the subject of a mega-slide getting installed. And I certainly don’t remember the cost of a slide alone getting broken out.
The pool did need upgrading. The liner had completely separated so that it was like moon-walking.
But in light of the Hillcrest/Lovers “park” expenditures, it just seems like another perhaps over-the-top Parks Department expense.
The kids and I will still have fun with it, but I’m not sure that I would have written that check.
bdad: I had a conversation with Gerry Bradley, director of parks a couple of weeks ago, and indeed the city has INVESTED a significant amount of money into parks and infrastructure since 2007. Other than the $94k additional work to Hitzelberger Park (less than 10% of the budget), the remainder of the spending has truly enhanced the beauty and functional usage of our parks-making them great destination for all of our citizens. This wave of improvements follows over 20 years of “deferred” upkeep when the city did not have the resources to undertake routine improvements.
If you are concerned about “over-the-top expenditures”, then please get involved with Leadership UP and get involved in the decision making process to ensure the community reaps the benefit of your expertise and judgement (and I sincerely mean this in a non-snarky way-you have made many thoughtful posts over time).
Just in time for the kids to get inspired by the Skeleton event at the Olympics today.
I might as well renew my Parks card now and buy sunscreen at the pre-summer prices.
This looks great. Are there plans to add the seating/lounging that’s been displaced?
Too soon, Merritt.
/Georgia
I must admit that I am very conflicted on this one. My kids are going to absolutely love this slide. Heck, I’m going to love sliding down it.
However, what did this thing cost the Parks Department? We already know that they love exorbitant design fees. I don’t want to come across as bah-humbug-Grinch here, but it does seem that the Parks department’s spending ways have gotten a little out of control.
bdad: All of the renovations to the pool were discussed in several city meetings over the course of two months. The parks department had to upgrade accessibility and filtration at the pool, and decided to redo a lot of the fixtures.
We wrote several stories about the overall costs of the pool, including design, which will run about $1.2 million (handicap accessible additions will cost about $84,000). The plan was approved in late September.
bdad–at least people will use it instead of just driving by it. IJS.
bdad: The installation of the water slide and a 3-meter board were part of the project’s base bid. A new pool liner and a new filtration system make up the bulk of that $750,000 figure. A growing maintenance concern, the pool’s existing liner was nearing the end of its 15 year lifespan.
The rest of the project’s expenditures, aside from $18,500 for the installation of a 1-meter board, are for other maintenance issues including: new pool lighting and shade structures, concrete upgrades near the front entrance to the complex, furnishing upgrades, painting upgrades and landscaping upgrades.
The 50-meter pool project was funded through the City’s ongoing Capital Improvements Program. Projects in that program are funded on a pay-as-you-go basis, without debt.
Last fall the City completed the sale of Potomac Park to SMU. The City recieved $2.1 million in that transaction. The City Council opted to use $1 million of that for the improvements to the Curtis Park pool complex, including the installation in 2009 of the children’s “Sprayground.” The money generated from the sale of Potomac Park was earmarked for park improvements by voters in 2007.
Joanna, I remember all of the discussions. I don’t remember the subject of a mega-slide getting installed. And I certainly don’t remember the cost of a slide alone getting broken out.
The pool did need upgrading. The liner had completely separated so that it was like moon-walking.
But in light of the Hillcrest/Lovers “park” expenditures, it just seems like another perhaps over-the-top Parks Department expense.
The kids and I will still have fun with it, but I’m not sure that I would have written that check.
@A.B.>>> touche’
Next year another 100,000.00 or more. Same thing year after year more and more money. The pool is a black hole for money.
bdad: I had a conversation with Gerry Bradley, director of parks a couple of weeks ago, and indeed the city has INVESTED a significant amount of money into parks and infrastructure since 2007. Other than the $94k additional work to Hitzelberger Park (less than 10% of the budget), the remainder of the spending has truly enhanced the beauty and functional usage of our parks-making them great destination for all of our citizens. This wave of improvements follows over 20 years of “deferred” upkeep when the city did not have the resources to undertake routine improvements.
If you are concerned about “over-the-top expenditures”, then please get involved with Leadership UP and get involved in the decision making process to ensure the community reaps the benefit of your expertise and judgement (and I sincerely mean this in a non-snarky way-you have made many thoughtful posts over time).