Southface Community Association

President's Message

Aug 22, 1999

Never a dull moment around here! Another crucial issue must be brought to your attention--plans for the NW recreation center.

You may recall that part of the bond issue that was passed in April included $2.8 million for a recreation center to be built in the northwest quadrant of the city on Allegheny near Centennial. At the meeting, which was a pep rally for "VOTE YES" for the bond issue, slides were shown of existing beautiful indoor aquatic centers around Colorado. However, now the story has changed.

The Parks and Recreation Department acknowledges that an indoor pool cannot be built for only $2.8 million. The Northeast and Southeast quadrants of the city each received $4.5 million because more interest was evidenced by those communities. They are recommending, for Phase 1, an outdoor pool with 3 lap lanes, approximately 25% of the aquatic area. The remaining area is planned for children with water spouts, whirlpools, and slide. The project, including a small indoor area for lockers, etc., totals 4,000 square feet. Phase 2 and 3 would include an indoor pool and exercise facility respectively, IF ANOTHER BOND ISSUE OR TWO ARE PASSED. Completion date for Phase 1 only is summer of 2002.

Another proposal has been submitted. David Jenkins of Norwood Development made an interesting suggestion. His company is planning to build a $14-15 million health club on Delmonico and S. Rockrimmon. It will be 50-60,000 square feet and include indoor and outdoor pools, exercise facilities, tennis courts, and lockers for men, women, families, and juniors. Completion date is scheduled for January 2001.

Mr. Jenkins offered to do a joint venture with the City. The city would contribute the $2.8 million and the aquatic facility would be enlarged so that the entire club would be 76,000 square feet. He would also allow residents to utilize the facility on a daily fee basis, in line with the fees charged by the city, instead of requiring monthly membership dues.

The City has engaged in other joint ventures. However, questions were raised about combining a private enterprise with bond issue funds; and covering the City's interest by probably a 50-year contract.

Assuming all of the legal aspects of the joint venture can be worked out, here are the highlights of each proposal:

Parks and Rec. Proposal (A)

1. Outdoor pool only.
2. Use only 80 days a year.
3. Wait for other funding for indoor pool and exercise facility.
4. Phase 1 of the project limited to 4,000 square foot $2.8 million facility.
5. Built and managed solely by the Parks and Rec. Dept.

6. Caters primarily to children.
7. At Allegheny near Centennial

Joint Venture (B)

1. Indoor and outdoor pools
2. Year round use
3. Immediate access to all types of recreational activities
4. Community would have a 76,000square foot $16-17 million facility
5. Daily use fees comparable to city fees
6. City would not have total control of construction and management of the facility.

There is a meeting planned in July to answer some of the questions raised. At that time, it is anticipated, a vote will be taken to give the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department approval to proceed with either the solo project or joint venture. Flyers will be sent as soon as the date and location of the meeting is known. YOU MUST MAKE YOUR PREFERENCES KNOWN.

We have enclosed a postcard (with postage already on it) for you to use as a proxy to vote for proposal A or B. Each person in the household, 18 years of age and older, should vote, designate as your proxy someone you know who will be attending the meeting to vote your wishes, and sign the postcard.

This decision will impact our community for years to come. We must take an active part in the decision-making process.

It seems like the Joint Venture is a Win-Win situation to me. We so often complain that developers come into a neighborhood, make money for themselves, and leave the neighborhood to deal with problems such as traffic, safety, etc. Here is a local developer who is offering to give something back to the community-how refreshing! The Rockrimmon Coalition made up of 10 homeowners' associations, have dealt with David Jenkins in the past. He is a man of his word.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call me.

Georgeann Duberstein