Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre Feasibility Study

1 PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION

JUNE 2010

Introduction
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Introduction to Project Team

MHPM Project Managers Monteith Brown Planning Consultants

Purpose of Tonights Meeting

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To present preliminary analysis and recommendations for the refurbishment and expansion of the Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre (Pinky Lewis)

To receive public feedback

Study Context
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2008 City of Hamilton Use, Renovation and Replacement Study for Hamilton Recreation and Public-Use Facilities

The following goal was stated for the Pinky Lewis:

Refurbish and expand Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre

when attached school closes (built 1981; $226,216 backlog); this will require acquisition of the school parcel.

Study Context
5

Pinky Lewis is on School Board land The School Boards plan:

To partner with the City in designing the site; Create a soccer field on part of the Sanford School land;

The Citys plan

Will be developed based on this study

The DRAFT study indicates:

The City needs part of the Sanford School site Expand and renovate Pinky Lewis Strengthen programs, partnerships and support for the community

About Pinky Lewis

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Constructed in 1981 Contains:

indoor pool (25-metre, 6 lane) and a separate hot pool 3 multi-purpose rooms viewing area / activity space change rooms shared gymnasium with attached Sanford Avenue School

About Pinky Lewis

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Well utilized, community-serving facility:

City programs (aquatics, open gym, dance, cheerleading, etc.) Community programs (karate, family literacy, etc.) Wever Hub Rygiel Supports for Community Living Niwasa Head Start Program Sports groups (Hamilton Basketball Association, Hamilton Aquatic Club, etc.) Community rentals (birthdays, baby showers, meetings, etc.)

Additional space for program expansions is needed

About the Pinky Lewis

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The pool and centre itself have significant lifespan remaining The facility is generally in good condition, but its design does not meet modern standards (family change rooms, AODA accessibility) Demolition of Sanford Avenue School in 2010 (attached to Pinky Lewis) To continue to serve the community for the long-run, refurbishment and expansion is recommended

Study Approach
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1. Define the facility requirements.

2. How can the building be made to meet needs?

Study Approach
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1. Define the facility requirements

What should be the focus of facility redevelopment? Consult with stakeholders Evaluate usage Consider space/expansion and community needs concurrently

Area Demographics
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The Study Area is located in a high density area within Lower Hamilton.

Within proximity to the Study Area is:

Jimmy Thompson Pool / Scott Park Arena Central Memorial Recreation Centre Beasley Community Centre

Area Demographics
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Study Area population: 20,480

Slow population growth

Older adult population is growing

Proportion of immigrants is larger than the City (28% v. 25%) and visible minorities (21% v. 14% )

Average household income is lower than the City ( $38,007 v. $57,500; after tax)

Average household size is smaller than the City (2.3 v. 2.6)

Source: 2006 Census

Changing Trends and Expectations

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Physical inactivity / unhealthy lifestyles

Unstructured, unscheduled activities

Need for accessible facilities

Aging infrastructure & increasing facility demands

Evolving facility designs

Partnerships

Pinky Lewis Pressures

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The school gyms are poorly related to Pinky Lewis High demand for child and youth programs (e.g., after-school) Daytime programming for older adults Range of swimming activities (deep pool, hot pool) Lack of air conditioning Lack of family change room Enhanced role as a community hub Front entrance design Accessibility for people with disabilities (e.g., ramp to gyms) Office space

Aquatic Programs/Facilities
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Drop-in participation in recreational (public) swimming and waterfit increased by 6% over the past three years

Aquatic registration (swim lessons, advanced training) has increased by 18% over the same period

Pools are rented on ocassion by swim clubs and health organizations

Aquatic Programs/Facilities
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Recommendations:

Swimming pool and hot pool should remain as is Renew male and female change rooms and add a new family change room (all accessible), which may also be used by gymnasium users.

Gymnasium Programs/Facilities
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This report includes a business case assessment of the viability of retaining the existing Sanford Avenue School gym.

Recommendation:

Develop a double gym (divisible), roughly 8,000 sq. ft. (slightly larger than the existing school gyms)

Multi-purpose Rooms
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Programs and activities are constrained by a lack of proper space (for activities, storage, supervision, etc.).

Prime time usage (late afternoon, early evening) for youth activities is largely maxed out.

More seniors programming is needed during daytime and selected evening hours. This can be accommodated within flexible multi-use spaces, the gymnasiums and the pools.

Multi-purpose Rooms
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Recommendations:

Through use of the existing rooms and an expansion, provide a total of 5 multi-purpose rooms (600 to 1,500 sq. ft. each)

One room for after-school youth program and youth drop-in One computer room One room for general activities and programs; divisible One pre-school room One smaller meeting/activity room

Other Amenities
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Change rooms:

Renew mens, womens and add family change rooms Meet AODA accessibility standards

Kitchen:

A new, larger kitchen

Entrance & Lobby:

Possible improvements will be explored at the design stage

Office & Storage Space:

Needs to be expanded to better meet needs

Exterior Amenities:

More parking Additional school soccer field

Study Approach
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1. Understand any issues, obstacles. Define the facility requirements.

2. How can the building be made to meet needs?

Building Assessment
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Some minor upgrades required for existing building

Repair/renewal of wood siding Replacement of boilers Other minor repairs

Existing building is worthy of renovation

Change room renovation will be major Other renovations will be simpler

70% increase in space based on preliminary analysis of needs

Site Considerations
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Require about half of the Sanford School site

Additions between Pinky Lewis and Sanford Ave.

Create an entrance close to Sanford Ave

Design for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Use existing parking plus Sanford School parking

Opportunities and Uncertainties

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Opportunity for a holistic approach

Integration of Pinky Lewis, Cathy Wever School and community

Timing is still to be determined

School demolition will be arranged to suit City timing City budget submission September 2010 Potential for phasing Partial vs. complete shut-down Arrangements with partners Opportunities for new partners (agencies, community)

Summary of Recommendations
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Refurbish and expand Pinky Lewis

Recommended indoor components:

swimming pool and hot pool (existing) double gymnasium (new to replace school gyms) 5 multi-purpose rooms (some new) male, female, and family change rooms (re-built) larger kitchen (new) improved office and storage space improved entrance/lobby

Preliminary Design Objectives

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A modern facility to meet community needs

Versatile multi-use space

Welcoming atmosphere - it continues to act as a community hub

Reduce barriers to physical accessibility

Sustainable design and construction

Integrate other community partners and uses, where possible

Next Steps
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Finalize report

Consider public input Refine space needs Analyze capital and operating costs

Negotiate site arrangements

Explore partnership/management options

Undertake architectural design

Construction

Your Feedback
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Questions/Comments?

Please complete a Comment Sheet and return it tonight.

Thank you for Participating!

51002-3048(4)