Pool, Crown Park audit planned

A $66,701 contract to fund an audit of the popular Camas swimming pool and Crown Park is expected to be approved by the City Council in early February.

The analysis of the 63-year-old pool and park could take approximately five months, and will include a public participation process, according to Jerry Acheson, parks and recreation manager.

“Any future changes to Crown Park and/or the pool will be decided based on the feedback from citizens, and members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council,” he said.

If the City Council approves the contract during its Feb. 6 regular meeting, Greenworks PC, Portland-based landscape architects, will conduct the audit and create a master plan. It was one of three firms that applied for the job, following a request for professional services.

Greenworks was selected to perform the audit after an interview process involving Acheson, Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Randy Curtis, and Public Works Director Steve Wall.

“Greenworks seemed to be the best fit for the project,” Acheson said.

The effort will include an assessment of the existing condition of the pool and associated facilities, a feasibility analysis on repairing and renovating the current pool, and a preliminary study for up to three potential renovation or replacement designs.

The updated Crown Park master plan will help the city prioritize future developments and improvement projects, as well as funding strategies, noted Acheson.

Greenworks will also guide the city through a public participation process to get citizen input on an updated master plan for Crown Park.

Crown Park was donated to the citizens of Camas in 1934, by Crown Willamette Paper Company. The 7.3 acre park and includes mature fir trees, picnic shelter, and two play areas with equipment, basketball court, tennis courts and Scout Hall.

The pool was built in 1954 by the Camas Lions and donated to the city. It has been repaired and modified over the years, and operates 10 to 12 weeks during the summer.

Acheson noted that total annual expenses in 2016 were $162,164 and total revenue was $104,010. The city subsidizes the difference through general fund dollars.