It appears the future of the Natatorium building will be a decision for the next city council during its upcoming budget deliberations.
During Monday’s executive committee meeting, the majority of the committee, with the exception of Coun. Don Mitchell, voted to refer the matter of Natatorium re-development to the 2013-2017 capital budget deliberations — which will begin following the Oct. 24 municipal elections.
On Monday, city parks and recreation director Jody Hauta presented a report pertaining to the feasibility of re-development options for the Natatorium building.
He said no indoor pool upgrades have been conducted since its closure to the public in 1996. However other portions of the facility (i.e., changing rooms) are maintained to support the Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool.
According to Hauta’s report, over the years there have been several upgrades to the Natatorium building, including replacement of the entire roof, cosmetic upgrades to portions of the facility still used by the public, installation of a new steam boiler, as well as new light fixtures and emergency lighting in the front portion of the building.
But if the Natatorium were to be utilized in its entirely for some purpose open to the public, Hauta said there must be a number of necessary upgrades.
“The deck, right now, has temporary shoring, which means further study and review would be required to determine what could be done to put a floor over it. Any proposed upgrades need to be reviewed with the local building inspector to determine what code issues need to be addressed.
“A new makeup air system to provide heating and fresh air into the building, and a new ventilation system would … likely need to be installed based on the condition of the old one, and the fact it hasn’t run since 1996.
“There is no thermostatic control, meaning hot water just flows into the different rooms, so they’re hot or cold depending on how it flows. New lighting is required. A new electrical service, panel and load distribution service is required.
“There’s asbestos paneling in the pool area. There are a number of doors and windows that should be replaced. Finishes are vintage, prior to 1996. They’re old and need updating.
“And there are a number of layout changes that should be made to improve traffic flow in change room facilities.”
For more on this story, read an upcoming edition of the Times-Herald.
