Features

Public Workshops Called to Discuss City’s Aquatic Future

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Thursday November 13, 2008 - 09:38:00 AM

Community members will get a chance to comment at two scheduled meetings on the Citywide Pools Master Plan, which is being developed by the City of Berkeley and the Berkeley Unified School District over the next six months. 

A 16-member task force, assisted by architecture and pool experts, is behind the development of the master plan which will address citywide needs and interests related to existing pools and aquatic programs. 

Key topics of the plan include the Warm Water Pool in Berkeley High School’s Old Gym, the existing King, Willard and West Campus pools and options for new swim facilities. 

At the first workshop held at the Live Oak Recreation Center Craft Room last month, participants discussed their vision for the city’s pool system and identified key issues and opportunities. 

A second community workshop will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Malcolm X Elementary School, where participants are expected to discuss the site plan concepts and preferred alternatives. 

The third and final public workshop will be held on Jan. 28 at the James Kenney Community Center and will allow participants to comment on the draft Citywide Pools Master Plan. 

City officials have encouraged the community to attend these workshops and speak out about the future of the city’s pools and aquatic programs. 

For more information, please visit the Pools Master Plan Link (in the What's New section) on the City of Berkeley’s Parks, Recreation and Waterfront home page: www.CityofBerkeley.info/parks. 

The two community workshops have been scheduled on the following dates: 

• 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, Malcolm X Elementary School (Library), 1731 Prince St. Topics: Site Plan Concepts and Preferred Alternatives 

• 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, James Kenney Community Center (Community Room), 1720 8th St. Topic: Draft Citywide Pools Master Plan.