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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend February 12, 2007 Medford pools considered Two complexes would offer fitness center, leisure pools, pavilion By Meg Landers Mail Tribune The city may build a $24.9 million indoor pool with a leisure pool and fitness center in east Medford and a $3.6 million outdoor pool with a leisure pool and pavilion in west Medford, while it's going to Plan B for a proposed regional water park. If approved, the two pool-complex projects could be funded in part by a bond that would go to voters November 2008 and be operational by 2010. The new structures would replace the 50-year-old municipal swimming pools at Hawthorne and Jackson parks. The Medford Parks and Recreation Commission considered six options during its study session Wednesday. The options were part of a report by an aquatic design firm, Counsilman-Hunsaker of Los Angeles, hired last fall to evaluate the city's swimming and leisure pool needs. Medford architect Ken Ogden, who has also worked on the proposals, said they surveyed the city staff, administration, swimming groups and teams, coaches, the Rogue Valley YMCA and the Superior Athletic Club. They also held community forums to solicit input. "There were those who were concerned there would be another bond issue," he said, adding that they talked about lower entry fees for Medford residents to offset the bond levy they would already be paying, if that passed. Advertisement "One of the reasons for this facility is to provide year-round swimming lessons," said Ogden, adding that swimming lessons could be part of elementary school curriculum. The indoor Hawthorne complex would include a 25-meter by 25-yard swimming pool, a recreational pool with slides and a "lazy river," a fitness area, a two-court gym and locker rooms. Commission Chairman Jerry MacLeod said another option was a 50 meter pool, but maintenance was deemed cost-prohibitive. The outdoor Jackson pool would have an outdoor leisure pool, a tot pool and seating and shade structures. Both would generate revenue from attendance, making it feasible to pay off the debt service. Brian Sjothun, Parks and Recreation director, said the firm also looked at the feasibility of a trendy outdoor water park complete with wave pool, water slides and lazy river for residents and visitors. The regional water park, which would cost $13 million to build, wouldn't bring in enough revenue to pay back the general obligation bond it would take to build it, said Sjothun, so the city would need to find a private party, or concessionaire, to build and run it. Sjothun said if the City Council requests it, staff can pursue finding a concessionaire, and the regional water park would likely displace the Medford dog park. Sjothun said the parks department would find a new location for a dog park. The Parks and Recreation Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 20 in Council Chambers to compile a recommendation for the City Council. The council will consider the recommendation during its noon March 22 study session in Room 151 of the Lausmann Annex. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Entertainment Guide Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Men's Clothing Debt Help