The Chamber of the Broomfield City Council was standing room only when 100 supporters showed up at the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 22 nd in show of support for a new Broomfield Aquatic/Fitness Center . The supporters were citizens from the aquatics community made up of divers, water polo teams, Masters, lap swimmers, youth age-group teams , senior citizens, synchronized swimmers, and other interested citizens. Laura Peterson, representative of the Broomfield Aquatic Center Committee (BACC) presented to the Council the need for a new Broomfield aquatic/fitness center.
In April, Laura attended a three-day conference put on by USA Swimming on how to build a new community pool. In order to meet the community's current demand for pool space and the projected growth, a state of the art aquatic center is needed in Broomfield. Laura presented a conceptual description of the aquatic centers that is a three pool design. The three pools would meet the different needs of the community in this way: 1. A teaching pool with warm water for children to learn to swim and therapeutic exercises and aerobics programs for adults and seniors. 2. A 50-meter pool for adult lap swimming, Masters, high school boys and girls and competitive programs such as youth age-group teams. 3. The third pool would be a diving well, 17 feet deep and 25 yards long and a tower that would be used for both spring board and platform divers. This pool would also accommodate synchronized swimming, scuba instruction and deep water aerobics. A new aquatics center with these multiple activities would make it possible for programs not to vie for space. As of right now, there is a waiting list for pool time. She asked the Council to address the needs of the aquatic community noting that swimming meets one of the City Council's Priorities, Healthy Broomfield.
Others addressing the City Council were, Kevin Sage, owner of Sagebrush Diving, Mick Nelson, USA Swimming, Kevin Nash, Broomfield Breakers Masters, Sean Maroze, Broomfield High school swimmer and Mary Louise Jeffries, concern citizen.
Regarding funding, Laura said the Adams 12 Five Star School District voters have approved a $9 million bond issue, and the district is looking for a joint investor for an aquatic facility. City Manager George Di Ciero advised the Council that there had been very preliminary meetings with the Adams 12. Regarding revenues and expenditures, she said if the facility is built with three pools, it would provide a continuum of swimming opportunities. The cost estimated for a state-of-the-art facility would be between $15 and $18 millions.
Several Council members spoke in support of a new aquatic/fitness center. Councilmember Bob Gaiser asked the BACC to present the same details as were first presented to the Broomfield Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee in June, 2006 Councilman Gaiser said, "Broomfield should get on the ball with this. Broomfield is the only solution to Adams 12's "problem" and there are a lot of advantages".
Mayor Karen Stuart said something of this magnitude will require innovative partnerships, such as the possibility of partnering with Adams 12. She encouraged more players be brought to the table. She recognized the size of the supporters and graciously allowed extra time for all interested parties to speak.
Councilmember Randy Ahrens said this is a window of opportunity for a project with Adams 12 funding and other avenues that might provide funding. He said he would hate for Adams 12's estimated $9 million to get away and that the BACC proposal should be aggressively pursued. Councilmember Dennis McCloskey also said the city should seek out multiple partnerships and agreed with Councilmember Ahrens that this is a window of opportunity. Councilmember Steve Kaverman said he was invited to participate in early discussions a year ago. His son has been diving for Broomfield High School. Broomfield should use the USA swimming organization as a resource. Councilmember Vince Buzek said he understands the challenges faced by people who swim in Broomfield. However, saying there is a need and it will pay off "doesn't make it so." He encouraged the supporters to bring numbers and facts to the September budget public hearings. Councilmember Linda Reynolds said when she first heard of this project she was and still is excited since she feels it meets with the City Council's "Healthy Broomfield" priority because swimming is a way to stay healthy.
