Community Corner

Will New Money Sources and Location Make RCC Pool a Reality?

Reston Community Center board will keep examining new indoor pool options - including a different spot and funding partners - into 2014.

The Reston Community Center's Board of Governors will continue to look for alternate sources of funding, as well as different site options, before deciding whether to move forward with a potential new indoor recreation center.

Since February, the board has been examining the idea of building a new indoor pool and rec center at Reston's Baron Cameron Park. The park land is owned by Fairfax County Park Authority, which would partner with RCC.

Consultants Brailsford & Dunlavey estimate the facility would cost between $20 and $35 million.

However, the board has received months of public feedback asking them to consider the cost to Small Tax District 5 residents, concerns with traffic and loss of green space, and whether developer proffers or an alternate site should be considered.

"We recognize that Reston alone should not be funding [a new pool]," board member Roger Lowen said at RCC's Public Hearing for Programs and Budgets on Monday. "We have formally asked the Fairfax County planning group for  planning [information] at North Town Center to include cost options. We will continue discussions with Brailsford & Dunlavey."

Lowen said alternative sites, such as closer to future Metro stations at Wiehle and Reston Parkway or at existing commercial centers, will be examined, as will the possibility of improving RCC Hunters Woods, where the current indoor pool is located. 

 Lowen laid out this timetable:
 
* RCC staff to continue work with Fairfax County Park Authority Planners on Baron Cameron Park Master Plan concepts and report to RCC board - Summer , Fall  2013
* RCC Board of Governors Building Committee to review other sites and report to Board - Summer, Fall 2013.
* Further refinement of market data and financial models for facility costs and operations with Brailsford & Dunlavey - Summer, Fall 2013.
* Determination of whether or not to pursue partnership with Park Authority  - Winter, 2014.

The board pointed out that $50,000 has been allocated in the projected FY2015 budget should RCC need the money for a referendum. RCC executive director says that amount would mostly go towards mailing educational materials about the projected indoor pool to Small Tax District 5 voters.



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