Fiscal Note
No appropriation is required.
Title
In recognition of the hard work and dedication of Parks Division staff as well as the Ad Hoc Swimming Pool Committee and the Pool Finance Committee culminating in the 2006 Outstanding Aquatic Facility Design Award presented by the Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association.
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Preamble
In July 2004 the Ad Hoc Swimming Pool Committee was formed and began meeting with City Parks Staff to set in motion preparations to make the 60+ year dream of a municipal swimming pool in Madison a reality, thanks to the generosity of philanthropists Irwin A. & Robert D. Goodman's donation of $2.8 million for Madison's first public swimming pool. The Committee, under the direction of key Parks Division staff, held 39 public meetings, including six listening sessions throughout the city, to determine the location and features for this first public swimming pool. Franklin Field, due to its central location and proximity to the Beltline, was the first choice for this pool. Warner Park and Reindahl Park came in second and third. The Common Council confirmed these choices.
In recognition of their support, Franklin Field, the new pool's home, was renamed "Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Park." While the Ad Hoc Swimming Pool Committee was meeting to determine the location and features, the Ad Hoc Swimming Pool Financial Committee and Madison Parks Foundation were working behind the scenes to obtain the balance of the funding necessary to make this pool a reality.
Throughout all discussions about the pool, there was always one constant theme- Madison needed a place where people and families of all backgrounds could come together and enjoy themselves. By choosing a design that met the needs of many, and building the pool in a centrally located, diverse neighborhood, the pool exceeded everyone's hope of being a gathering place for all. On June 29, 2005 ground was broken for the first pool located in Franklin Field (now known as Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Park.)
The Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Swimming Pool is a 1000-person capacity facility, with 2 waterslides, 8 lane 25-meter lap area with diving boards, and a zero depth and shallow water play area for pre-school aged children. The facility also includes concessions, shower/changing rooms, including 4 family changing rooms; deck umbrella tables, rotating shade structures and a wet/sand play area.
The attendance goal for the pool was 55,000 people. Goodman Pool opened to the public on June 12, 2006. Over 75,000 people visited the pool during the summer season. On one hot day, over 2100 people came to the pool. Over 900 children received swimming lessons, of which 11% obtained full scholarships for swimming lessons and admission fees.
Continuing the momentum of the successful inaugural year, on September 12th the Goodman Brothers once again demonstrated their generosity and commitment to the Madison community. Robert and Irwin Goodman have set up a Donor directed fund that is expected to generate $50,000 each year. The money will be used to help low-income families pay for admission, swimming lessons at the pool, swim team and lifeguard training.
The entrance gate, funded through a city Arts Grant, provided further recognition of this tremendous gift. "The Ripple Effect" was the inspiration for the creation of the facility's logo. The drop of water symbolized the gift of the pool, and the two rings around it symbolize the two Goodman Brothers. The gift of this one pool has had a ripple effect in the Madison community. Irwin and Robert Goodman say it best in a recent statement, "Madison's first community pool has clearly become a center for bringing people of different economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds together-helping to unite us as one community to the benefit of all."
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the hard work and dedication of Parks Division Staff is hereby recognized. They are Bill Bauer, who served as Project Manager, as well as LaVonne LaFave, Elinor Riley, Brad Weisinger, Laura Whitmore, Dennis Rodefeld and James Weinstock all working under the leadership of James P. Morgan, Superintendent of Parks. There were also many employees from City Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Madison Urban Design Committee and Madison Parks Foundation. Also recognized is the public service commitment of the Ad Hoc Swimming Pool Committee under its Chair, Nino Amato, and its citizen members Joyce Boggess, Randy Glysch, Bonnie Griswold, Mark Kornblatt, Jack Pettinger, Bob Pricer, and Charlie Sanders. The Ad Hoc Swimming Pool Finance Committee, under co-chairs George Austin and Richard Phelps, and citizen members, Nino Amato, Linda Baldwin, LaMarr Billups, Dr. Frank Byrne, Londa Dewey, James Hopson, Barbara Swan and Gary Wolter coordinated the fundraising.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council congratulate the City of Madison Parks Division for the recognition awarded them by the Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association's 2006 Outstanding Aquatic Facility Design Award. WPRA annually recognizes outstanding new or renovated aquatic facilities. The entries are all judged on the same criteria: Goals & Objectives of the Facility, Effective Use of Resources, and the Facility Design as a whole.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED That a copy of this Resolution be framed and given to The Parks Division in recognition of the hard work and dedication of Parks Staff.