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The County recently released an AQUATIC FEASBILITY STUDY, for which there will be a PUBLIC HEARING on Wed, Nov 19 ( 7:30pm in Conf Rm 1 at Rec & Parks Headquarters, 7120 Oakland Mills Rd., Columbia). 

Please try to attend, or send an e-mail to local officials prior to Nov 19, and read on …  

Since the study’s release, the economic climate has become progressively dismal, so it’s unrealistic to advocate for a large capital project with any sense of urgency.  HOWEVER, the capital budget process/democracy remains intact, and we should take advantage of these opportunities (public hearings and budget cycle) to send a message similar to the statement below to local officials.  It’s beneficial to have the track record of “standing first in line” when the economy bounces back, when other new capital projects are just beginning to be requested:    

One day the economy will improve and when that day happens, the County needs to be in a position to move forward on the right type of aquatic facility, one that supports aquatic PROGRAMMING.  The county should use aquatic PROGRAMS as the key variables for selecting what type of aquatic facility to build -- not the very limiting “Options 1-4” that the study offers.  The County should aim to offer something that is completely lacking (like a 50-meter indoor pool) if it is to add any real value to the existing aquatics offerings in Howard County.    

 In other words, if PROGRAMS – such as HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING  (or swim lessons, or competitive swimming practices and meets, water fitness, water safety training, other water sports like water polo or synchronized swimming, etc.) – ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU, THEN TELL YOUR LOCAL OFFICIALS!     

Don’t let the tail wag the dog!  Don’t let the consultant’s “Options 1-4” steer the County in the wrong direction.  Many of these programs mentioned above could be enabled by a 50-meter pool – because that is the type of pool that could accommodate many different groups of users simultaneously, with the 23-lane configuration.  Tell local officials that the “right” type of facility might just be one that offers a 50-meter indoor pool AND a smaller leisure pool to satisfy BOTH programming and leisure needs. 

CA’s Rob Goldman (VP Sports & Fitness) publically commented that it should be the County that provides any new aquatics venue to its citizens, because CA has been relieving the County of that responsibility for years by offering an array of pools.  He also said that CA is willing to offer expertise, and possibly land, in an effort to partner.  Add your voice to Mr. Goldman’s and tell the County that it must explore partnership opportunities with CA and other agencies to plan for the “right” type of new pool facility.   

Again, please attend the Rec & Parks Public Hearing on Nov 19 – or – email your local officials before that date.   NOTE: There will likely be another Public Hearing (for the FY 2010 Capital Budget) sometime in December, TBA.  If you have any questions or need more information, please email DIANE GOODRIDGE.   

LOCAL OFFICIALS’ EMAIL:      

GARY ARTHUR, Dir. of Rec & Parks           <GArthur@...

 KEN ULMAN, County Executive                 <KUlman@...>

 MICHAEL JACK, Revenue Authority           <atz.pga@...>

 COUNTY COUNCIL (all 5 members)          <councilmail@...>