Four Seasons Pool should be replaced, report says

City Council has some large and expensive decisions to make about the future of Prince George’s pools.

A report is being presented to council next week that lays out recommendations on how to deal with the City’s aging aquatic facilities.

The ‘Aquatic Needs Assessment’ developed by Dialog Architects and Counsilman-Hunsaker Consulting comes in at a staggering 542 pages including appendices. It concludes that there is a shortage of pool space in PG and major investments are needed.

The report presents three options, all which recommend demolishing the nearly 50 year old Four Seasons Leisure Pool. Changes to the PG Aquatic Centre and addition of an extra tank is also included.

The Four Seasons Pool reportedly has “significant issues that cannot be cost effectively dealt with through maintenance and renovation” including poor accessibility, lack of change room space, major problems with the roof and more.

A replacement would cost an estimated $32,938,000, and may be placed at its current location – but could also be situated on the empty lot across from City Hall or at the Connaught Youth Centre, both options which would preserve aquatic programming capacity during the estimated 2 year construction.

While the report provides an option of demolishing the Four Seasons Pool and combining all services at the PG Aquatic Centre, it advises against going that route due to public input that indicated the desire for two separate facilities.

Major renovations and the addition of an extra tank at the PG Aquatic Centre would cost another estimated $29,448,000, but are needed to accommodate growing demand and capacity challenges moving forward.

Combined, the two projects will cost just over an estimated $62,000,000. The report states that it’s “the only option that addresses all of the concerns raised in the reports, stakeholder meetings, online surveys, and the Public Open House.”

“Its selection will allow the City to continue to offer safe and functional aquatic facilities while also be able to meet current and future demands for aquatics program time.”

The Aquatic Needs Assessment will be presented at Monday’s Council meeting.