Question 1

Why do we need a new Aquatics Center?

Accepted Answer

There are many reasons why the community of Scottsbluff would benefit from a new Aquatics and Senior Center: Currently there is no Senior Center in the Scottsbluff community and the availability for year round aquatics is limited.  The YMCA pool is the only remaining indoor pool and is reaching the end of its usable life. This aquatic center will replace aging and/or out of use facilities in the community (YMCA pool, Splash, RWMC Therapy Pool) .An aquatics center is vital to teach people how to swim - life safety, lifeguard certification, comprehensive swimming lessons, drowning prevention, and dive team exercises can all take place in the proposed aquatics center.  These items impact anyone who gets in the water, not just those who use our aquatics center.To be competitive to attract families, business and executives to our community we need high-quality recreation facilities including aquatics. This project will improve the quality of life for people in Scottsbluff and throughout the region.The facility will meet the recreational needs of a wide variety of citizens (families, youth, competitive swimmers, adults, and seniors).The Senior Center can provide a wide variety of wellness and socialization activities designed to maintain an engaged and active adult population.

Question 2

Where will the Aquatics and Senior Center be located?

Accepted Answer

The Proposed Aquatics and Senior Center will be located at the former K-Mart property at the intersection of Highway 26 and 27th Street.  The Kmart building will be demolished, and a new facility will be built.Site Selection was a community-based process where many possible locations were narrowed down to this site.  Advantages include:Conveniently situated near 27th Street, and Highway 26Walking distance to Scottsbluff High School/Bluffs Middle SchoolAmple space for parkingClose to WNCC and Regional WestVisible from Highway 26Replaces a community eyesore with an attractive, useful facility for all ages

Question 3

Why wasn't the former KMart property considered as a site in 2022?

Accepted Answer

There are many reasons why the current K-Mart would not be a good location to house the proposed Scottsbluff Aquatics Center: The property was not available:  At that time, the property is not available for purchase by the City of Scottsbluff.  In order for LB357 funds to be used, the property must be owned (not leased) by the City.  Through Partnerships Site and Demolition Work is now possible.   A facility as complex as the Proposed Aquatics Center can not be “retrofitted” into an existing space easily.  Indoor aquatics facilities require specialized HVAC, filtration and other systems as well as the significant foundation and site related work that would be necessary requiring demolition of the current property and site work.  Public private partnerships will now make this work possible.

Question 4

How Much will the Aquatics and Senior Center Cost?

Accepted Answer

The estimated cost to build the facility will depend on a number of factors but primarily revolves around the number/type of amenities and the costs associated with the operation of the facility.  The current estimated construction cost is approximately $25 million.

Question 5

Is the Westmoor Pool Closing?

Accepted Answer

No.  If this project is approved the Westmoor Pool will continue to remain open during the summer months.

Question 6

How will Operations be funded for the Aquatics and Senior Center

Accepted Answer

The majority of operating expenses will be funded by annual contributions from the key project partners.  Admission and rental fees will also fund operational costs.  Fee schedules will be determined based on the final design.

Question 7

Will I have to be a member of the YMCA to use the Aquatics Center?

Accepted Answer

The project partners will create a fee and usage structure to make the facility available to all community members including non YMCA members.

Question 8

How will the aquatics center be maintained?

Accepted Answer

Through partnerships, the key community partners have created a sustainable plan to operate the proposed facility that will include regular maintenance and budgeting for operational expenses.

Question 9

I've heard the site sits on a "swamp".  Will there be groundwater or drainage issues with the proposed site?

Accepted Answer

The proposed location will be highly visible from some of the main corridors through Scottsbluff.  The site is easily accessible from multiple corridors.  The location has had a history of groundwater and drainage issues prior to the development of the Scottsbluff Drain. Soils in the area are a combination of silty sand as well as clean sand. The water table is regulated by the Scottsbluff Drain and is maintained at around 8 feet below the existing ground surface. Development of this site will not pose a significant challenge. Other developments in the area suggest that it provides a suitable environment and can sustain heavy loads such as the existing mall as well as the new Scottsbluff High School.The project team has experience designing pools in similar environments, such as the North Platte Aquatic Center.  During the design process, if groundwater appears to be an issue, engineered foundations can be installed that will minimize the risk.

Question 10

With multiple community entities partnering on the project, how will scheduling and access be handled?  Will there be enough available time for the public?

Accepted Answer

The proposed design for this aquatics center includes both a competition and a separate leisure pool so that things like lap swimming, water walking or family swim could take place in its own space while the competition pool is in use. Conversations are still taking place regarding usage but a blended model could be possible where members of the public access the facility at the same time whether as patrons or the City of Scottsbluff or members of the YMCA. Our goal is to combine resources to create a facility that can be enjoyed by everyone.The Senior Center will have its own space and should not be impacted by the aquatics needs of the facility.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Frequently asked questions