FLIP recently held two Town Hall Meetings which brought out over sixty people, all eager to learn about what’s happening with The Swim Center. We want everyone to have up-to-date information on the project so we invite you to enjoy this summary of the meetings!
The meetings began with introductions of eight hard working Board members and acknowledgments of our wonderful advisors and volunteers. Jamie Stephens, San Juan County Council Member, was not able to attend and provided the following statement, read by Asha Lela, Government Liaison:
Good afternoon and thank you for coming to this meeting about the pool. FLIP has worked for years to make a public pool on Lopez a reality. A pool where you can learn to swim, exercise, and rehabilitate after surgery. FLIP has worked tirelessly to raise funds from private donors. They also have received San Juan County’s and the State legislature’s pledge of financial support for this valuable public project. After asking your questions and hearing comments today, I hope that each of you will support building the pool.
Best regards, Jamie Stephens
Next, a video produced by FLIP in 2016 was viewed by attendees. Please watch it to see our local leaders share their passion for the project and to hear some of the many ways a swim center will enrich and nourish our community. Click on the link to our About page and scroll down to view the video.
Bob and Lois Wardell of Wardell Architects then presented the design of The Swim Center. The permits are in process at the County now! Click on the link to our Building Plans page and scroll down to Architects to view the architectural drawings.
A PowerPoint presentation by Bill LeDrew, Finance Chair, and Jane Fuller, Fundraising Chair, provided a project update and current financial overview. Fundraising has increased dramatically over the past year and has included private donations, public funding, foundations and trusts. You can view the FLIP Presentation – Sept. 9 2018 Town Hall Meeting by clicking on this link.
There were many questions. Here are a few with their answers…
- Is the project going to be phased? When the swim center opens, it will be an indoor facility (no outdoor-only phase as previously discussed). The project will be done in stages. The pre-construction stage is completed. We are launching the next stage which is the site preparation. Check out the property on Pool Lane. You will see some equipment out there while the weather still allows!
- How will the pool be maintained? Maintenance is a topic everyone is interested in. FLIP is planning for the future! We have secured a generous donation of $510,000 which is specifically dedicated for a Maintenance Reserve Fund. This fund will be invested. In addition, the swim center will be a high-efficiency, low maintenance facility. FLIP chose the Myrtha Pool brand for their fantastic record of low-maintenance. In fact, Myrtha is a state-of-the-art stainless steel pool with a 25 year warranty against structural and leakage issues. Click on this link to read about Myrtha Pool brand and its advantages.Myrtha Comparison and Advantages
- What are the revenues that will support the pool? Will low-income families afford to use the pool? The answer to the first question is outlined in the PowerPoint presentation link above. The pool will be accessible to everyone. Grants will be written to assist low-income families so they can afford to use the pool.
- Will the pool be open early/late hours for those that work full-time? Yes, the staffing will allow the pool to offer hours to accommodate working community members.
There are further frequently asked questions on the web site.
FLIP feels this community outreach was a success and we plan to do it again at the next stage of the project! If you were able to attend, thanks for coming! If you weren’t, thanks for taking the time to read this far!
Hold the Date! An Appreciation Celebration will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13th at 2pm to honor Senator Kevin Ranker for securing significant State funds this year. Come out and show your support! It’s all happening on pool property (Pool Lane off Center Road).
edited by Carolyn McGown