ROCHESTER — A proposed Soldiers Field aquatics center carries a $20 million estimated price tag with reduced impact to the nearby golf course.
The proposal stemming from work of the city’s park staff, consultants and a group of 10 community members, known as co-designers, will be presented to the Rochester Park Board for review Tuesday.
“The staff’s commitment to review a no-golf option and co-design group’s knowledge that there is significant opposition by the golf community for any golf impacts pushed a review of a very limited golf impact,” states a report sent to the Park Board.
The proposal calls for renovating the pool’s existing bath house; adding a second building for needed infrastructure and pool support services operations; installing a 50-meter pool, large slides, a splash pad and wading pool, a lazy river, and a large deck space.
It would also replace the nearby trail, and add a new shelter and restroom area, with a nature play area near the pool.
City of Rochester
While initial proposals suggested several golf tees or holes might need to be moved to make room for the near amenities, the plan under review would shift a single tee—No. 3 — while also making some adjustments to areas around the current fourth green and tee to accommodate the fifth trail changes.
A potential change to the course’s first tee is mentioned as an option, but the states report it is not required for the plan to be implemented.
The staff report also states the community group, which included swim club representatives and members representing older residents, youth, immigrants, nearby neighbors and people with physical limitations, among other groups, opted to create an alternative that would reduce the proposed change to the golf course.
“This alternative keeps the aquatics and trail the same but shifts the shelter, restroom and nature play to the west side of Gibbs Drive and south of the playground,” the states report, adding that the move would add sewer-line costs to the project .
City of Rochester
An earlier proposed budget for the project was $18.5 million, with a total of $22.5 million expected to be spent on the new aquatics features, as well as additional park changes. A final cost of the overall project will not be known until the proposed concepts become final designs and bids are sought for construction.
The city has secured a $5 million federal grant for park improvements, along with tentative approval for $10 million in state Destination Medical Center funds. The city has also earmarked and has received a $250,000 state grant for the work.
The Rochester City Council will have final approval of any plans, but the Park Board will be asked for input on the proposal during its 4:30 pm meeting Tuesday in room 320 of City Hall, 201 Fourth St. SE.