Columbia Parks and Rec asks for feedback ahead of Albert-Oakland Aquatic Center renovations
Keriana Gamboa
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Renovations planned for the Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center are aimed to improve accessibility and enhance the experience for families, according to city officials.
City officials on Friday afternoon held a public input meeting at the pool and will be accepting input online through July 24.
Proposed renovations at the Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center include upgrades to the plumbing and mechanical systems, the addition of an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant zero-depth entry pool, new water features, expanded shade structures and updates to the diving boards and ADA pool chair lift.
The project has a budget of $4 million, with construction expected to begin in the fall and completion targeted for next summer.
The Parks and Recreation Park Services Manager Mitchell Dooley said ADA improvements are a key focus of the renovation.
“It improves accessibility and makes it easier to get into the water, particularly for kids and those with disabilities,” Dooley said.
Joy Sweeney, who is the CEO of Woodhaven — an organization that advocates for individuals with disabilities — told ABC 17 News in a statement the group strongly supports the city’s efforts to improve the pool.
Residents who showed up to the meeting were supportive of the changes.
“I think it’s great. Anything that makes it more accessible to the handicapped or people that have needs, even like myself, I think would benefit from it,” Columbia resident Christine Watermon said.