Purpose of the meeting
The purpose of the meeting was to present the design of the facility and seek comments and suggestions as it pertains to their interest. 

Selection process for the participants 
The sample included representatives of the following segments of the population:
     i. Senior users
     ii. Young families
     iii. Competitive swimmers
     iv. Recreational swimmers
     v. Employees (lifeguards)
     vi. Adults
     vii. Disabled. 

From a list provided by Sports and Recreation’s Department, 20 residents were invited: 13 confirmed their presence, 10 were present at the discussion table. To obtain a group as unbiased as possible, the Administration avoided populating it with friends, colleagues and people closely associated with the proposed project. 

Discussion guide 
Michael S. Deegan, Director of Sports and Recreation, was the moderator. His role was to ask the questions and monitor the discussion flow. The meeting lasted for 2 hours. Brigitte Stock, Director of Communications, took notes, with the intention that the results of the meeting would be posted on the City’s website. 

Format for the Discussion Groups 
     • Casual discussion setting 
     • Circle setup 

Question Guide 
Preliminary plans and project information were shared with the participants. 

Topics of interest 
Main characteristics of the new pool; 
Large Pool; Diving Area; 
Children’s Area; Deck; 
Central pavilion and circulation; 
Security: 
lifeguard chairs, fences… 

Selected comments 
“Tour de table”
Most users love the feeling of the outdoor pool. It has never changed in all these years with the same values and same scheduling every summer. 

Residents use the pool a lot. The “adult swim” at noon is very crowded and there is a large segment of seniors with not enough space on the deck and too crowded in the pool at noon.

One of the concerns is what will happen for the next 2 years with the pool. The residents hope that with the construction timeline there will only be 1 season without a pool. 

“Large Pool” 
There should be a new filtration system installed on the sides of the pool with gutters between to fill water higher and to fill the entire pool at once.

It was noted that it can be hazardous for children in water over 6 feet in depth to try to stand in the pool. From a safety standpoint the water depth at 6 feet is more suited to adults. 

Pool Dimensions for Competitive Swimming 
Min Pool Depth:  1.35 m (for diving from blocks), from 1 m out from the wall to 6 m. 1.2 m (for diving off the side). 

Lane Width: 2.5 m Lanes: If the width of the pool allows, it is best to have lane ropes also on the edge of each side of the pool (i.e. 9 lane ropes for 8 lanes). 

Blocks: 
height from water : 0.5 m to 0.75 m 
Min top surface of blocks: 0.5 m x 0.5 m 
Non-slip surface 
Max. slope of 10° 

Backstroke Flags: 
5 m from each end of the pool. 

False Start Rope: 
15 m from start end of the pool.

Accessibility
There should be wheelchair accessibility provided for the pool area as well. It was suggested mechanical chairs for handicapped people to go into the pool as well as ramps provided into the locker rooms. Perhaps have a ramp leading into the pool (like a slow progression) for seniors who have difficulty getting in and out of the pool. Seniors could fall on the stairs leading into the pool. 

“Diving area” 
The diving section should be deeper. The standard for the diving area should be larger and deeper. Diving boards should be installed away from the part that slopes down and further away from the adult lane. 

“Children’s Area” 
It was requested that more shade be provided at the children’s pool. With the new pool construction there may be increased sunlight on deck; therefore there should be large umbrellas around the exterior to provide more shade, while allowing more sunning areas for those who prefer direct sunlight.

“Deck” 
It was noted that currently there is not enough deck space, and the area allocated for the pools and deck should be expanded relative to the existing facilities. 

Currently the residents are not allowed to bring food to the pool therefore the new pool would need bleacher seating where residents could sit and eat comfortably. It would allow people to come to the area near the pool and still have the feel of the pool. There should be a row of chairs and walking space all around the deck area like at a resort hotel. It would be better to organize things on the deck and free up more passageways. 

It was noted that for competitive meets there could be a requirement for enough deck space to accommodate 400 – 500 people, as well as additional space for officials for swim meets. It was also suggested that there be cleansing water jets to walk through for access to the deck and pool; belongings could be slid through on a conveyor belt. There are massive amounts of sunscreen go into the pool and filtration system; perhaps it would be best to have an outdoor shower installed on the deck. 

“Locker Rooms” 
There is a need for changing tables for infants, not only for the women’s section but also the men’s or family sections as well. There should be a shower incorporated into the changing room. 

The users do not need cubbies, just bigger lockers with a turnstile for people to come into the pool area. 

There must be a sufficient number of toilets in both the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Toilets for little kids should be considered. The existing changing room floor tiles are very dirty and need improving. 

There should also be storage for carriages and increased storage space for equipment, with dedicated space for refrigeration etc. 

There is a need to design the showers in a way that sufficient privacy is provided. 

“Central pavilion and circulation” 
It was noted that there should be space provided for a concession stand (BBQ and bake sales) as there will be a café built in the adjacent pavilion. 

The Design committee should look at creating an activity area that does not involve the Pool for those who accompany swimmers but do not swim. Something is needed like a small park area with something else to do in the pool area. 

“Security”
It was brought up that how many people would be allowed on the deck? What will the City allow? If the capacity of 299 people increases by 100 people with the increase of deck space then there will be more safety issues. 

The City must look at an increase of costs for non-residents entering the Pool as the new Pool will attract new and more people. Therefore it was noted to study the capacity of 299 people as well as increasing the costs for non-residents. 

For the children’s areas, gate off the children’s pool and have it fenced in some way, as well as have a lifeguard chair dedicated to the children’s pool, or perhaps partitions as children older than 5 want to be in the bigger pool. 

Top Three Recommendations 
     1. More deck space 
     2. Deeper diving area 
     3. Privacy 

Additional suggestions from users on the proposed outdoor pool, can be emailed to westmountrecreationcentre@westmount.org