FAQ

Q: What is the Aquatics Master Plan?
A: The Aquatics Master Plan is a comprehensive plan that documents existing conditions of Columbia's aquatics facilities and programs; assesses the future needs of residents and other users; and makes recommendations for future investments in aquatics venues and associated programs.

Q: What are the goals of the plan?
A: The three goals of the Aquatics Master Plan are to:

1. Engage the Columbia community in an inclusive process to plan for the future of Columbia's aquatics programs;
2. Provide a framework for Columbia aquatic facilities that balances current and future community needs given changing demographics and resource constraints; and
3. Establish implementation priorities for the future of Columbia aquatics.

Q: Why is this plan being done now?
A: The sheer number of Columbia's aquatics facilities and programs coupled with the high number of pool users set Columbia apart from other communities. While participation is high for aquatics facilities and programs in Columbia as a whole, some pools have low usage - with as few as 50 visitors a day on average. Built and upgraded over 40 years, Columbia's inventory of aquatics facilities are aging and require investment to continue to offer programs and amenities that meet user expectations. By 2030, the population of Columbia and Howard County is expected to continue to increase although at a slower rate than in the past four decades. Projections also anticipate a more diverse population in terms of race, ethnicity and age. What these demographic changes mean for planning for the future of recreational facilities, including aquatics, is that there will be even more demand and need for facilities that respond to our diverse population characteristics. To understand and respond to these and other trends, the Columbia Association is undertaking a master plan to set the framework for future capital investments and programs to keep our aquatics program strong and to make sure investments are made wisely.

Q: What is the timeframe for the plan's development and approval?
A: The Aquatics Master Plan started in early 2011 and is expected to be completed by early 2012.

Q: How can I be engaged in the process and stay informed?
A: There are many opportunities to be involved in the planning process and many ways to stay informed as the plan is developed including public meetings and workshops, focus groups, the Aquatics Master Plan Task Force, the aquatics plan website, and the Aquatics Commenting Tool. The first set of public meetings were held in March 2011 and focused on existing conditions and provided an opportunity to brainstorm possible changes and improvements. The next set of public meetings will be on October 11 and 12 and the final set of public meetings is anticipated later this year.

One-time, small group discussions called focus groups were held during the summer. These focus groups were designed to complement the larger community meetings and to gain a better understanding of the needs and ideas of specific aquatics user groups. While the focus groups are now completed, you can view the meeting notes on the Aquatics Plan website. There is also an Aquatics Master Plan Task Force comprised of community members who are advising CA staff on the development of the master plan. The meetings are open to the public and are documented on the master plan website.

Revised September 2011