Columbia Association Seeks Pool Input Tonight, Wednesday

The future of Columbia pools and proposed alternative plans for their use will be discussed in two public meetings tonight and Wednesday.

Residents are invited to attend tonight, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, or on Wednesday, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Owen Brown Community Center, 6800 Cradlerock Way.

CA Aquatics officials will share some options created using input from focus groups, workshops and an online interactive Aquatics Commenting Tool, as well as the findings of the aquatics master plan task force.

Association leaders have also talked to national aquatics experts; assessed existing pool conditions; analyzed attendance and program participation; and reviewed forecasted changes in demographics.

The association runs 23 outdoor pools, four indoor pools and one hot-water therapy pool. Some pools are heavily used and others are barely used, according to a study done by the association.

Officials have discussed a , including making them more kid-friendly; adding food vendors; having cleaner locker rooms and bathrooms; and increasing the availability for other activities such as volleyball or horseshoes.

The proposals being discussed for consideration are "written in ink but not etched in stone," according to the meeting invitation.

The attendance and input of residents is essential to the process, according to officials.

Registration is appreciated but not required. The same information will be discussed at both meetings.