HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 - Directing the P, B & R Commission to Evaluate the Feasibility of a Community Pool at Lower Castaways Park= CITY OF
a NEWPORT BEACH
�4ron�J City Council Staff Report
November 5, 2019
Agenda Item No. 11
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Laura Detweiler, Recreation and Senior Services Director - 949-
644-3151, Idetweiler@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Jonathon Harmon, Recreation Manager,
jharmon@newportbeachca.gov
PHONE: 949-644-3156
TITLE: Consideration of Directing the Parks, Beaches & Recreation
Commission to Evaluate the Feasibility of a Community Pool at Lower
Castaways Park
ABSTRACT:
Mayor Diane Dixon has asked the City Council to consider directing the Parks, Beaches
& Recreation Commission to evaluate the feasibility of a community pool at Lower
Castaways Park that serves recreational & therapeutic needs.
RECOMMENDATION:
a) Find this project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies) of the CEQA Guidelines,
because this project has no potential to have a significant effect on the environment,
and
b) Direct the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission to form an ad hoc committee to
study the feasibility of a community pool at Lower Castaways Park through
architectural review and community outreach.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
The current adopted budget includes sufficient funding for the hiring of an architect to
study the feasibility of the Lower Castaways Park site. Approximately $15,000 is available
from the CIP, Master Facilities Plan Strategic Planning account, 57201-980000.
DISCUSSION:
There is an existing deficit of available pool time in Newport Beach to serve the high
schools, community programs, competitive aquatics, and recreational programs.
Additionally, there is not a public therapeutic pool option. The City currently shares pool
use with Corona del Mar High School and Newport Harbor High School, balancing a full
schedule of both school and community activity. Demand for aquatic programming greatly
outweighs the available time and space at the two high school pools.
Consideration of Directing the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission to
Evaluate the Feasibility of a Community Pool at Lower Castaways Park
November 5, 2019
Page 2
A dedicated community aquatic facility would satisfy these needs by allowing for
increased lap swim hours, year-round swim lessons, and a variety of aquatic based
fitness and therapeutic classes for all ages. The addition of a community pool would also
free up the high school pools for increased school, club, and competitive programming.
Staff have identified a 4.04 -acre undeveloped park parcel at Lower Castaways Park
(Attachment A) as a possible location for the community pool. The Parks, Beaches &
Recreation Commission would be tasked with evaluating the feasibility of the location with
assistance from staff and an architectural consultant. Community outreach meetings and
surveys will be conducted as part of the process to pinpoint facility and programming
needs.
As it relates to future project funding of the pool, the Honorable Evelyn Hart has indicated
her commitment to leading a fundraising effort to offset half of the project costs through
private funding.
Staff prepared a forecasted budget for the new community pool based on estimated
revenues, expenditures, and potential growth. Revenues of $200,000 were based on
community activities seven days a week including, but not limited to, swim lessons, aqua
fitness classes, therapeutic aquatics, and adult masters and lap swim. Expenditures were
broken down into staff costs (approximately $650,000) and maintenance and operations
costs (approximately $250,000). Annual General Fund support will be necessary to cover
the $700,000 gap between maintenance and operational expenses and revenues. These
figures are based on a 25 -yard lap/non-competitive pool model.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find this project exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning
Studies) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3,
because it has no potential to have a significant effect on the environment.
NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of
the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment A — Map of Lower Castaways Park/Project Location
11-2