South Lake Tahoe looking to renovate rec complex
griffin@tahoedailytribune.com
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — The pool at South Lake Tahoe’s recreation complex is believed to be the facility’s most important amenity to other community members, as well as to the vitality of the site, according to early results from an ongoing survey.
Since Nov. 18, the City of South Lake Tahoe has been conducting a public survey to figure out what visitors like most about the rec center, what they like least and what they’d like to see added at the facility in the years to come.
The current building is nearly 40 yeas old and in need of extensive improvements. Leaking occurs in the locker rooms as a result of deteriorating plumbing, many surfaces show marked aging, the lighting is poor and the cooling and heating systems are inefficient, among other things.
“It’s in a state of disrepair,” said Lauren Thomaselli, South Lake Tahoe’s recreation manager.
The city recognizes this and has targeted the complex for renovations under the Parks Trails and Recreation Master Plan. But first, it wants community feedback.
A public workshop was held Nov. 18 to discuss potential options for the site, and a survey has been made available by the city to receive public comments. So far, more than 290 people have responded.
The majority have said afterschool recreation programs is the No. 1 type of recreation program they’d like to see added at the facility, followed by cooking or art classes and senior fitness programs.
Locker room upgrades, the addition of a warm therapy pool and gymnasium/court upgrades also seem to be very desired by respondents, based on preliminary survey results.
Thomaselli said the city will consider all of the feedback when creating a plan specifically for the 39,000-square-foot facility. And so far, nothing unexpected has come up.
“I’m looking at the feedback and I’m thinking there’s really no surprises,” she said. “Most people come here to use our pool, versatility is limited and the need to upgrade our locker rooms is painfully obvious.”
Thomaselli said there is no cost associated with the renovations so far, since the process is still in its early stages. However, she did estimate it will likely be a multi-million endeavor, and one that takes about five to 10 years to fully realize.
The next step in the process will be designing alternatives for the facility’s renovations. The public will then be asked at some point to provide further comments on the designs to narrow down the best option.
In the meantime, additional public comments are welcome now through the city’s survey.
The survey can be found online by going to the Parks & Recreation page on the city’s website, then clicking on the Master Plan tab. Or those interested can fill out a hard copy of the survey at the recreation complex itself, located at 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd.
The survey ends Dec. 18.
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