Oxford talks new aquatics center, recreational trail

Oxford officials recently received a closer look at ideas for a new aquatics center and recreational trail in the city.

Here are the latest details on each project:

AQUATICS CENTER

  • The aquatics center is proposed for Community Park to replace the current municipal pool at the TRI complex. It could be located on the east end of the large field near the Brookville Road entrance.
  • "We had a $4.5 million estimated cost in 2006, with a much larger design. That number appears to still be realistic," said Casey Wooddell, director of the Oxford Parks and Recreation Department.
  • Staffing needs will increase with the new aquatics center, and a consultant has recommended hiring a full-time position of Aquatics Director/Recreation Programmer to work year-round with an assistant pool manager position added as a seasonal position. That would replace three current pool supervisors.

  • The consultant also recommended keeping the current three to four concession stand workers and three to four gate workers, but they would need two to three head lifeguards and 18-20 other guards instead of the current 10-12 guards.
  • Wooddell recommended adding a full-time maintenance position to work at the facility as well as other recreation facilities. That would replace a $14,000 contract with Cincinnati Pool Maintenance, he said.

RECREATIONAL TRAIL

  • The recreational trail is planned to eventually complete a loop around Oxford to accommodate both safe access as well as health and fitness opportunities.
  • "My goal is to have the trail done in 10 years," Jessica Greene, executive director of Enjoy Oxford said.

FUNDING THE PROJECTS

  • Three possible funding options for the two projects include a combination of loans, grants and levies: a loan for the pool and a levy for the trail; grants, loans and a joint levy; or only a joint levy
  • The first two would get the pool done in two years and the trail in 10 while the third would see the timeline for the pool at five years with the trail in 10-15 years. The first would raise $7 million over 10 years while the second and third would seek 10-year levies for $10 million and $12 million, respectively.
  • Greene said the pool can be built for $4.5 million, while the trail would be $12 million for the entire loop or $7 million for the portion around the south and connecting to the community park, but that would not see completion of the portion connecting the College Corner Pike area to the park.

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