City Council Study Session Agenda and Packet 2015 04 14

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CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION SUBJECT: RECREATION CENTER EXPANSION AND AQUATIC CENTER OPTIONS DATE: APRIL 14, 2015 PAGE 2 OF 5 Background. 2015 is the 25th Anniversary of the Louisville Recreation and Senior Center opening. The “Rec Center” has been and continues to be a well-received and well-used hub for exercise, educational and recreational programs, special events and a multi-purpose venue/meeting place. Patrons come from every age group. In 1990, the Recreation Senior Center was a state-of-the-art facility and over the past twenty-five years, City staff has maintained the facility well. While we have done our best to adapt and adjust to growing demands and trends, there is renewed interest in exploring how to expand and update the Center and construct a larger swimming facility. The health and wellness industry has exploded in Colorado, and Boulder County communities specifically are setting the standard for health and fitness. Colorado continues to have the highest number of municipal recreation centers per capita in the United States. In 1990, growth and demand for fitness equipment was not predicted or planned for, as evidenced by merely walking around the second floor of the Recreation and Senior Center. Also, in the 1990’s, climbing walls, pickle ball and interactive aquatic centers were not incorporated into planning for most recreation centers. In 1990, Louisville’s population was 12,361, and since that time Louisville’s population has increased to 19,588. In 1995, the Recreation and Senior Center had annual attendance (paid admissions) of 174,316. In 2014, attendance (paid admissions) totaled 268,603. In 2005, resident usage, as a percentage, was 84%. In 2014, resident usage, as a percentage, was 90%. Accompanying this Council Communication is additional information on attendance and trends over the past 25 years, as well as a summary of recreation centers in the area along with year built, square feet and information on recent and planned renovations. It is our understanding that Superior is considering the construction of their first recreation center, and Lafayette is planning to construct a new swimming pool. According to the adopted Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan, the Louisville Recreation and Senior Center is one of the best examples in the country of a successful cost-effective facility. However, with time, lifestyle changes and an aging population, the expansion of the Recreation and Senior Center and construction of a new outdoor swimming pool may be warranted. The 2002 and 2003 Ballot Measures In 2002, the City engaged the services of an architectural firm and appointed a steering committee to come up with an expansion program for the Rec Center, including a new outdoor swimming pool located on the campus. In the November election that year, the City Council asked voters to approve four different tax measures:  $23.1 million in debt financed through a 5.34 mill property tax funding “for the purpose of constructing, expanding, and renovating recreational and cultural 7