LTC 054-2006 Above Ground Pool - Temporary Summer InstallationMIAMI BEACH
omc OF
NO. LTC #054-2006 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor David Dermer and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
DATE: March 2, 2006
SUBJECT: Above Ground Pool - Temporary Summer Installation
The Administration was recently asked to assess options in the event the Normandy Isle
Park pool would not be ready for opening at the beginning of summer, 2006. Specifically the
Administration was asked to assess the option of installing an above ground swimming pool
suitable for use by youth attending the summer programs as well as by residents on the
weekends. The Administration has also assessed an option to use existing pools more
extensively as an alternative to the above ground pool option. Either option would operate
from May 30th to August 13th, 2006, the timeframe of the Parks and Recreation Summer
services and Miami-Dade County Public Schools break.
In response to this request the Parks and Recreation Department has completed substantial
research, met with various city departments that would need to assist in the process,
contacted numerous swimming pool vendors, as well as other municipalities and regulatory
agencies to gain information.
Following is a summary of the actions taken by the Parks and Recreation Department in
their due diligence as well as other salient points related to the installation of an above
ground pool for public use by a governmental municipality.
· Contacted 100 large and small municipalities throughout the State of Florida asking
if they had ever installed a similar facility. No municipality had used an above ground
pool for use by the general public.
· Researched several vendors of above ground pools to identify what commercial
grade pools were available and which one would best meet the City's needs. The
research results indicated that there were no commercial grade above ground pools
on the market. The largest pool identified had a swim area 24 ft round and 4 ft deep
throughout. Due to the depth of the pools the smaller children (under 4 feet tall)
would not be able to use the above ground pool and would still transported to the
Flamingo pool for lessons and pool play opportunities. Additionally, the 4 foot depth
would cause the water to be very hot when heated by the sun. The purchase and
installation of a water aerator would be required to ensure no one experiences heat
related illness. It was determined that the maximum capacity of the pool at any one
time would be 20 children per % hour with no more than 100 total per day. This
number could double if 2 pools were installed. The total was based on the estimated
swimmer load the filtration system could handle and still function properly.
· Contacted the State of Florida Depadment of Health and Miami Dade County Health
Department, Environmental Health and Engineering Division to determine if an
above ground pool for municipal use could be permitted.
· Met with the City's Building Department to determine if construction drawings
(electrical, plumbing and structural) must be submitted for review, approval and
permitting.
· Determined that all related ADA requirements (Americans with Disabilities Act)
requirements must be met. These include an accessible route of travel, accessible
showers, restrooms and changing areas, a ramp system approximately 48 foot long
plus a number of landing areas in between lengths of ramp, a deck approximately 8
ft wide around the pool to permit ADA and pedestrian access. It was noted that
there would be no space for deck or lounge chairs, tables, shade structures,
concessions or any other amenities that are available and utilized by our residents at
the Scott Rakow and Flamingo pools. Additionally, there would be a requirement to
install an ADA pool lift. The pool lift, usually designed for permanent pool and deck
installation would need to be adapted to proper fitting on the above ground pool
deck.
· Determined that the swim area and pool deck would require a security fence to
prevent unauthorized usage at night and a secudty guard would be needed to further
ensure the pool is not entered while closed.
· Identified potential issues with the CWA union concerning working conditions for the
life guards assigned to the facility due to lack of rost/break aroa.
· Determined that the total estimated cost for purchase, installation, removal of 2
above ground pools for the 8 week summer program period was approximately
$87,665.
· At the February Parks and Recreational Facilities Board meeting when the concept
of the above ground pools was discussed. At the conclusion of the discussion the
Board unanimously passed a motion recommending the children be bused to the
Scott Rakow Youth Center & Flamingo Park Pool instead of investing in an above-
ground pool. The Board felt that all the emphasis should be made on getting the
Normandy Isle Pool open.
On February 27, 2006, the Parks & Recreation Department Administration received a
written response from the Miami Dade County Health Department, Environmental
Health and Engineering Division stating that the State Health Department can not
permit or approve this type of pool under Florida Statute 514.
Alternative Option
As an alternative to the above ground pool and in an effort to alleviate the inconvenience to
the residents who would regularly utilize the Normandy Isle Park pool the Administration
would offer the following recommend for consideration. Since the closure of the Normandy
Isle Park pool the Parks and Recreation Department has transported all the summer camp
participants to either the Flamingo or Scott Rakow pools twice per week for an in pool time of
1 hour per visit. This program would be continued for the summer of 2006. This has proven
very successful and the campers thoroughly enjoy the experience.
In addition to continuing this very successful program the Administration and the Parks &
Recreation Department is proposing to operate a free "Summer Splash" city bus that will
operate on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 12:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. to
transport any one from the north end to the Flamingo Park pool. The "Splash" would have
Recreation staff on board to sign in and maintain a record of all swimmers to ensure
everyone who goes to the pool also returns.
The bus will make regularly scheduled round trips from North Shore Park so anyone
interested in going to the pool can. It is estimated at this time the cost to provide this service
will not exceed $10,000 for the summer. We would propose to properly promote and
operate this service on a trial basis for the month of June and it proves successful continue
its operation through to August 13, 2006.
Please advise if you have questions or comments.
JMC~S
CC: Robert C. Middaugh, Assistant City Manager
Kevin Smith, Parks & Recreation Director
Julio Magrisso, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director
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