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A new place to swim

The North Shore complex will add a second pool so it can stay open to the public during competitions.

By PAUL SWIDER
Published January 22, 2006

Renovations at North Shore Pool will add a second pool and extra classroom space - allowing for more programs including yoga, aerobics and Pilates at the complex.

The $3-million project should be completed by the end of May.

The main feature will be a new pool to the south of the existing pool at 901 North Shore Drive NE. About half the size of the existing Olympic-size pool, the new pool will allow for competitive and community uses. One end of the pool will be shallow enough for swim classes while the other will be deep enough for the use of starting blocks for racing.

With the extra pool, the complex will no longer have to close when hosting competitions because public swimming can be moved to the new pool. For larger events, the new pool will serve as a warmup area.

The expanded capacity will mean more visitors, city staffers say. Also, business during the main revenue-generating period between Christmas and the middle of January, when visiting college teams rent the facility, will be able to expand by at least 50 percent over the roughly $15,000 it currently brings in. The complex's direct revenues now cover only about 30 percent of its expenses; the rest is subsidized by the city.

The entrance to the complex will be through one of three new buildings.

The other two new buildings will rise on the southwest corner, one for St. Petersburg Aquatics and the other for pumps, mechanical items and storage.

Though not part of this project's budget, the southeast corner of the complex will eventually be converted to a "splashpad" or spray grounds for children.

The voter-approved Penny for Pinellas sales tax is paying for most of the project.

OLD POOL: $503,689.40; with $400,000 in restoration and improvements in 1990

NEW POOL: $3-million

DIMENSIONS

OLD POOL: The main pool, built in 1965, has 10 lanes of 50 meters and 22 lanes of 25 yards.

NEW POOL: The new pool will have eight lanes of 25 meters and 10 of 25 yards.

FEATURES

OLD COMPLEX: Two 1-meter diving boards, one 3-meter diving board and a complete sound system with underwater speakers; bleacher area to accommodate 1,500 people and dressing room.

NEW COMPLEX: Three new buildings including more classroom space for training in lifesaving, CPR and other education. The staff will have more appropriate, professional facilities to conduct training. The new classrooms will also be available to rent for parties. The new complex also will include a flume slide and a ramp to allow access for the disabled.

OPENING DAY

OLD POOL: Dec. 17, 1965; Mayor Herman Goldner and Santa Claus shared the ribbon cutting honors.NEW POOL: May 2006.

DAILY RATE

OLD POOL: On Dec. 17, 1965, admission was 35 cents for children 12 and younger; 60 cents for adults.

NEW POOL: Current admission is $2.20 per child, 3-12; $2.75 for 12 and older.

[Last modified January 22, 2006, 01:02:19]