AQUATIC PROGRAMING & AQUATIC CENTRE DESIGN - FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE Parks and Recreation Ontario 1185 Eglinton Avenue East Suite 406 Toronto, Ontario M3C 3C6 Tel: 416-426-7142 426 Fax: 416-426-7371 Philip Fenech BA B.Arch, O.A.A. OAA MRAIC SHORE TILBE IRWIN & PARTNERS 672 Dupont Street Suite 500 Toronto, Ontario MG M5G 1Z6 Ph 416 971 6060 www.stipartners.com
Agenda Finding the balance between aquatic programs, community desires, aquatic design and budget Master plan to building program Community Consultation Pool Types A review A Typical Program 2 Examples - Holly CC & Metro Centre Construction Costs and Control General Discussion & Review
Beginning with an Aquatic Master Plan Determining needs and aspirations Sets the broad scale context Provides information on present uses and future trends for the entire municipality Master Plan Context Outlines the regional, community or neighborhood strategy Based on a range of sources - exit surveys - interviews with public and staff - analysis of existing programs Provides a blueprint for future growth
The Feasibility Report Determining Scope Provides information on site, budget, program and timeline. Reflects the intention of the master plan. Includes a demographic analysis and business plan. Feasibility Budget, Program & Site Involved community and stakeholder input. First indication of a building program: - pool size based on population growth - room sizes developed from other programs First indication of the construction budget: - affects of escalation
Starting the Design Process Determining Program Establish a detailed list of pool tanks and support spaces. Help establish what can fit into the overall area of the Aquatic Centre. What is the goal and purpose of the space? Design Program & Layout Test the program and budget compatibility. Pre-design cost estimate based on area. Adjust the program to suit the budget or increase the budget to accommodate the program. Do not move forward until reconciliation. Obtain collective support of the revised program Return to the Community
Community Consultation and the Program Input and Discussion Recent trend towards increased community and council input. The Architect s role: to help establish a community consultation strategy. Decide how to get the message out and to who. Explain the design process and the intentions of the base program. Convey we are open to public input on the base program. Confer with the decision makers, special user groups and clubs. * Consultation process is not easy but does create sense of ownership. Master Plan Community consultation Context Feasibility Community consultation Budget, Program & Site Design Community consultation Program & Layout
Community Consultation A Sample Process 2 1 Focus groups review input respond display concept designs present concept ideas 3 3 Vision Program Design 4 4 gather ideas & information direction next steps open discussion TOWN HALL 1 TOWN HALL 2 TOWN HALL 3 Communication Confirmation Response
Community Consultation - Sample Questions 1. How would you use this space? 2. What is important to make this space work? 3. How can this space relate to the other building spaces? 4. How can this space be green or environmentally friendly? 5. What other features would you like this space to have?
Community Consultation Understanding the Cultures How do the neighbourhood cultures affect the delivery of aquatic programs? Have we obtained the input from all cultures? Are different forums required? Does the Aquatic program need to be realigned to suit: - a different level of comfort and modesty in pools and change rooms*
Community Consultation Understanding the Demographics Each age group will desire different experiences. Pool design is now reflecting this reality. These experiences will change and evolve from generation to generation. Example of new experiences: Age 0-3 warm water sprays, shallow water Age 4-7 Interactive water toys, warm water sprays Age 8-11 play structures, lily pads, water slides Age 12-16 large waterslides, diving, open water, lazy river Age 17-22 open water, deck lounging, climbing walls Age 23-40 play pool with children, open water, spa, lane pool, lazy river Age 41+ Open water, lane pool, lazy river, play pool with children, spa pools and therapy pools
Community Consultation Analysis and Response A period of reflection to reconcile and decide upon the community input after Town Hall 1. Do the suggestions modify or expand the program. Do the suggestions support the overall aquatic master plan for the community. Can the budget sustain the building program?* How do we respond to the community if programs cannot be included.* Feasibility Report Program Feasibility costing Program review Pre-design costing Town Hall 1 Revised costing The goal is finalize a program that everyone supports. Approved Program
Pool Design Evolution of the Program Lessons & Exercise Competitive & Training Leisure & Recreational Therapeutic
Pool Design Evolution of the Program 25m x 6 lane Good for intermediate lessons. Can accommodate leisure swims but a limited experience. Good for lap swimming and training. It has defined depths and size. Does not accommodate beginner lessons well due to depth and water temperature. re Can accommodate accessibility. Program tank size: 3,780 sf + 3,600 sf deck area = 7380 sq ft.
Pool Design Evolution of the Program Competitive pools 25m x 8 lane Meets competitive training and tournament needs in the number of lanes and width of lanes 2.5 m FINA width. Can accommodate leisure swims. Very good for lap swimming and training. Lower water temperature. Fast Water - Gutter design and min depth of 2m. Larger deck area for participants and spectator viewing required. Competition equipment touch pads etc.. Program tank size: up to 5740 sf + 8300 sf deck area = 14,040 sf
Pool Design Evolution of the Program Competitive pools 50m x 8 lane Competitive and Tournament Venue Requirements Not ideal for community use without movable bottom or leisure pools Program tank size: 11,255 sf + 10,000 sf deck area = 21,255 sf
Pool Design Evolution of the Program Leisure/Lifestyle pools Accommodates all lessons. Ideal for leisure swim allowing different experiences. Can accommodate lap swimming or training. Attracts a broad range of users but may be too flexible. One water temperature. Program tank size: varies 5000 sf to 10,000 sf
Pool Design Evolution of the Program Leisure/Lesson pools Accommodate beginner lessons in varying depths. Ideal for children. Provides warmer water. Easy to enter and accessible to max 900mm depth. Program tank size: 1600 sf to 1900 sf
Pool Design Evolution of the Program Leisure/ Lane Combinations Provides for lessons at all age groups. Allows for competitive foundation training. Can accommodate leisure swims. Good for lap swimming and aqua-aerobic. a aerobic 2 different water temperatures. Program tank size: 3,780 sf + 1500 sf = 5,280 sf
Pool Design Evolution of the Program Slides Height of a slide is an important consideration. Slides require run out areas or splash tanks. Dedicated life guards required. Added capital cost of approx $200,000 for slide alone. Program size: 1200 sf to 1400 sf
Pool Design Evolution of the Program Diving Boards Diving i Boards require greater depths. Not a significant impact on deck area. Creates a larger deep end area. Does restrict lane use but supports sport of diving and appeals to the younger demographic.
Pool Design Evolution of the Program Whirlpools and Therapy Pools Separate tanks and purpose. Whirlpools governed by Spa code Whirlpools seating and relaxation 104deg Therapy Pools deeper water for upper body activity 96 deg Therapy Pools can accommodate seating Therapy tank size: 1000 sf to 1400 sf Whirlpool tank size: 200 sf to 350 sf
Pool Design Evolution of the Program Movable Tank Floors Allows for one tank to perform different functions. Suitable if space is at a premium. One water temperature for all users. Requires bulkhead if integral to a larger tank. Limited accessibility ( no ramp ) Consider whirlpool l as a complement Added capital costs approx. $250,000 Program tank size: 1500 sf to 2500 sf
Pool Design Evolution of the Program Pool Tunnels and Lower Level Mechanical Spaces Should be considered during the early stages. Locates pumps and tanks below water level. Allows for continual inspection and maintenance of pool tank walls, inlets and lights. Dual purpose to accommodate perimeter air supply. Decreases ground level footprint. Increased capital costs for excavation and lower level construction. Program size: approximately 6000 sf ( 4000 sf mech and 2000 sf tunnel )
The New Aquatic Centre An Engaging & Exciting Space Views to and from surrounding spaces. Connection to exterior. Natural light. Change Spaces Variety Provide more safety. Reflect cultural and specific modesty needs. Specific accessibility needs. A Comfortable Environment Providing different water temperature. Maintaining good air and water Quality. Ensuring Accessibility throughout.
Pool Design Putting it all together A Typical Program Net Areas A1. Leisure Pool 1500 A2. 6 lane x 25m Pool 3700 A3. Whirl Pool 500 A4. Deck Areas 7500 A5. On deck Pool Viewing 500 A6. Pool Monitor/ First Aid 200 A7. Pool Staff Areas 200 A8. Family Change Rooms 1800 A9. Male Change Rooms 1300 A10 Female Change Room 1300 A11 Storage 500 Total 19,000 A12 Pool Tunnels / Mech 6,000 Total 25,000 A common approach that seeks to balance the four fundamental needs of an aquatic center. Gross Up add 10% 25,000 + 2,500 = 27,500
Pool Design Importance of a Clear Vision Competitive & Training Leisure & Recreation VISION SO Lessons & Exercise Therapy & Accessibility From a basic program the components can be shaped and expanded to reflect the specific vision of the aquatic centre.*
Pool Design Primary Considerations Pool Component Requirements Key Decisions Too much flexibility? each tank component has a size that supports a purpose. combining or reducing tank sizes and deck areas needs careful consideration. large complex shapes will require additional guarding. Teaching Competitive swimming Swimming for fun Water area requirements to accommodate lessons Different depths and temperatures FINA regulations will apply Additional deck area is required Fast Water requirements Interactive and exciting pools Water slides and diving Swimming for fitness Minimum useful u length for fitness swimming is 20m Provision for slow to fast swimmers Hydrotherapy Warmer water, seating area and therapy areas. Water sports Min depth for synchro and diving Min dimensions for water polo short and narrow pools are easiest to supervise. Life saving instructions Minimum depths required
Pool Design Two Examples How did the decisions and experiences of these two municipalities shape their aquatic program and the design of their aquatic facility.
Holly CC Aquatic Centre Vision An aquatic centre with emphasis on providing teaching and recreational activities for a broad range of users.
Holly CC Aquatic Centre Background A pool that complemented the municipal aquatic master plan to create one competitive pool facility and one recreational pool facility. Holly became the counterpoint to the recently completed East Bayfield pool that provided competitive facilities. Program developed from staff input. Goal was to provide maximum instructional time with leisure and recreational swims. Diving boards and slide were added to program to attract younger demographic. Community of young families desired this type of pool. Community Input Meet and Greet sessions only.
Program Holly CC Aquatic Centre 1 Aquatics Program Components Holly Typical net sq ft net sq ft A1. Leisure Pool 1,530 1,500 A2. Lane Pool 3,900 3,700 A3. Warm Pool na 500 A4. Deck Areas 8,570 7,500 A5. Pool Viewing 740 500 A6. Pool Monitor/ First Aid 235 200 A7. Pool Staff Areas na 200 A8. Family Change Rooms 2,250250 1,800 A9. Male Change Rooms 1,300 1,300 A10 Female Change Room 1,300 1,300 A11 Storage 270 500 Total 20,090 19,000
Plan Holly CC Aquatic Centre 1
Plan Holly CC Aquatic Centre 1 Design Impact Larger deck area for classes and staging Good on deck viewing Space for water features and diving towers Space for a significant slide and slide tower Larger family change areas Variety of pool shapes and depths Full accessibility Provision of full tunnel and mechanical spaces.
Comparison: Holly CC Aquatic Centre to the Typical Program 1 Component or Area Comparison to Typical Program Remarks Learning/Leisure Equal to typical program Incorporates relaxation zone in lieu Tank Area of whirlpool Lane Tank Area + 200 sq ft. To accommodate perimeter pods and wider entry areas Plus deeper pool tank Deck Area +1070 sq ft To accommodate slide and slide tower Change Room + 200 sq ft Larger Family Change Rooms Area Viewing area +240 sq ft To accommodate demand for on deck viewing Features Slide and slide Tower + 250 sq ft Diving towers + $ 250K slide + $ 100K slide tower
Metro Aquatic Centre Importance of a Clear Vision An aquatic centre that accommodates the competitive uses within it s philosophy of providing community access to aquatic programs.
Metro Aquatic Centre Background Town s original aquatic goal was to add a 50m to an existing facility based on a brief study Explored opportunity of adding 50 m pool to Magna Centre Careful analysis of costs and impact on program resulted in a change to 8 lane x 25m Council and community input and support for change was needed. Community Input involved Town Hall and Council meetings Council heard the deputations from the stakeholders and town staff.
Metro Aquatic Centre Background Stakeholders Stakeholders cited that present and future user needs indicate that a 50m pool is required. Demographic projections indicated d that t adults and seniors will require more pool time as the growth of families declines. Swim, Syncho and Water Polo club growth require more pool time and a flagship facility. Proposed that a 50m pool with bulkhead and movable bottom would respond to the adult and tot programming. Conducted a municipal and regional analysis to illustrate the area is well served by Conducted a municipal and regional analysis to illustrate the area is well served by recreational pools and there is a need for a 50 m pool.
Metro Aquatic Centre Background Municipal staff Adding a 25m or 50m pool would put Newmarket within the current Ontario average of 1 pool per 50,000 (2005). Provided d proposed schedules for each pool option: - traditional municipal recreation aquatic program for 25m option. - competitive aquatic facility based on demand for 50m option. Illustrated t that t more lessons can be provided d in a 25M x 8 lane pool with learning pool. Demand for competitive times impacted lessons. R d d th t th 25 8 l l ith l i l b t t th it Recommended that the 25m x 8 lane pool with learning pool best meets the community recreation and education needs.
Options 2
Metro Aquatic Centre Background Design and Capital Costs Area & cost comparisons of pool and pool deck GFA. 50 m x 8 lane (6 options ) 50,000 sf to 56,000 sf $13.5M to $15.5M (2005) 25 m x 8 lane with teach pool (4 options ) 31,000 sf to 42,000 sf $8.4M to $10.8M (2005) Council Recommendation 8 lane x 25 m with teach pool.. A combination of community, staff and council desire is needed to support the level of service and on-going operational costs of a 50 m pool. f 0 Regional catchment of a 50 m pool may require the collective support of municipalities.
Program Metro Aquatic Centre 2 Aquatics Program Components Magna Typical net sq ft net sq ft A1. Leisure Pool 1,700 1,500 A2. Lane Pool 5,600 3,700 A3. Warm Pool na 500 A4. Deck Areas 8,685 7,500 A5. Pool Viewing Gallery 2,000 na A6. Pool Monitor/ First Aid 235 200 A7. Pool Staff Areas 245 200 A8. Family Change Room 1,800 1,800 A9. Female Change Room 1,300 1,300 A10 Male Change Room 1,300 1,300 A11. Storage 350 500 Total 23,215 19,000
Plan Metro Aquatic Centre 2
Plan Metro Aquatic Centre 2 Program and Design Impact Larger deck area participants & spectators 512 persons. Gallery seating 220 persons. Specific FINA requirements 2.5m wide lanes. Larger change rooms and careful location of entry points. Rectangular pool shape with specific gutter and inlet design. Provision of scoreboards, timing devices and starting blocks. Accommodation for extra parking and event staging. Full accessibility. Partial Pool Tunnel and Pool Mechanical rooms..
Comparison: Metro Aquatics Centre to Typical program 2 Component or Area Comparison to Typical Program Remarks Learning/Leisure + 200 sq ft. Incorporates relaxation zone in lieu Tank Area of whirlpool Lane Tank Area + 2100 sq ft. To accommodate 8 lanes at FINA width of 2.5M Deck Area +1185sq ft To accommodate participant seating of 512 persons Change Room Area Equal to typical change room program Larger change rooms were planned Viewing area +1500 sq ft To accommodate need for spectator seating of 220 persons Features Timing system + $ 70 Scoreboards + $ 100 K bleachers + $ 50 K Site No significant impact on Parking provided for tournament parking count hockey
Aquatic Centre Construction Costs Pre-design Costing 1. A Typical Program Net Areas A1. Leisure Pool 1500 A2. 6 lane x 25m Pool 3700 A3. Whirl Pool 500 A4. Deck Areas 7500 A5. On deck Pool Viewing 500 A6. Pool Monitor/ First Aid 200 A7. Pool Staff Areas 200 A8. Family Change Rooms 1800 A9. Male Change Rooms 1300 A10 Female Change Room 1300 A11 Storage 500 Total 19,000 A12 Pool Tunnels / Mech 6,000 Total 24,000 2. Gross Up add 10% 19,000 + 1900 = 20,900 6,000 + 600 = 6,600 3. Pre Design Estimate ( 2008) 20,900 x $450/sf = $9.4M 6,600600 x $200/sf = $1.3M Total = $10.7M Ensure 3 key factors are included: Escalation to tender date +.5%/mon Design contingency + 10% Construction contingency + 4%
Aquatic Centre Construction Costs Concept to Final Costing based on elements rather than floor area 1. A Typical Pool Tank 2. Elemental costs (2008) Concrete = $180,000000 Waterproofing = $35,000 Mechanical = $400,000 Tile Finish = $130,000 Equipment & Rails = $ 20,000 Total = $765,000 Ensure 3 key factors are added: Escalation to tender date +.5% / month Design contingency + 10% Construction contingency + 4%
Aquatic Centre Construction Costs Concept to Final Costing Cost Control Avoid compromises to material and mechanical systems that will affect building performance in the future. Some cost savings options ( top ten ) 10 Deck and Tank Finish 9 Tank Construction Concrete vs Steel 8 Tank Design Gutter vs Skimmer 7 Mechanical and Electrical Systems 6 Wood or Steel Roof Deck and Beams 5 Dehumidification 4 Water features and Slide 3 Area of support rooms and change rooms 2 Area of tunnels 1 Area of pool tanks and pool deck
Summary Finding the balance between aquatic programs, community desires, aquatic design and budget Start with the goals of the master plan Include Community Consultation Understand the aquatic components Begin with a Typical Program Learn from recent examples Budget and Program must balance
Recent Examples Angus Glen CC & L
Recent Examples Newcastle Community Centre
Recent Examples Oakville YMCA
Recent Examples North Bay Aquatic Centre Peterborough Sports and Wellness Tansley Woods - Burlington
Recent Examples Cassie Campbell Community Centre - Brampton
Recent Examples Surrey BC YMCA University of Toronto at Mississuaga
This document is complimentary and is provided from the National Recreation Database by the Lifestyle Information Network (LIN) www.lin.ca Appropriate Use