Politics & Government

Want to Build Elk Grove's Civic Center Aquatics Complex? Here's Your Chance

The city of Elk Grove is seeking a contractor to design, build and operate an aquatics complex as part of the planned Civic Center.

Elk Grove officials are looking for someone to design, build and operate the aquatics complex that could become a part of the city's Civic Center, and on Monday issued a formal call for proposals.

According to the city's request, the aquatics complex will have an Olympic-sized swimming pool with a 10-meter diving tower, as well as a water park.

"The City anticipates it will consist of a water park, adventure theme park, miniature golf course, fun center, any combination of these, or similar uses," the request says.

The city says it will contribute up to $14 million toward the planning or construction of the complex, but prefers the aquatics complex will turn a profit once it's up and running. The request suggests the company building the complex would operate it for at least 15 years, with the option for two five-year extensions.

The area just south of the planned aquatics complex has been reserved by the Army Corp of Engineers as a wetlands area, the city says. The city request says the company bidding to build the aquatics complex could suggest an alternate design that builds on the wetlands, "in the event that the Wetlands area becomes available in the future for normal parkland usage," but says not to count on it.

In addition to basics like maintenance requirements, here are the criteria laid out by the city for the planned aquatics complex:

A. Outdoor Recreational Commercial Park 

  • Entertain 250,000 guests annually with outdoor activity 
  • Family focus, target youth-adult age range 
  • Dining/concessions component including meals, snacks and beverages (alcohol optional) 
  • Logo merchandise sales 
  • Lazy River component desired 
  • Site Security Plan approved by Police Department 
  • Laguna Ridge Specific Plan taxpayers discount package 

B. Competitive Pool Facilities 
  • Solicit/program/deliver 20+ aquatic sports meets annually 
  • Host 200-2,000 swimmers per meet 
  • Support variety and multiple aquatic team programs 
  • Concession/merchandise component for attendees 
  • Meet Management equipment programmer/operator 
  • Signature Dive Tower with elevator 
  • Hot Tub seating 12-20 athletes 
  • Certified Pool Operator 
  • Certified Lifeguards 

C. Ancillary Amenities 
  • Water Plant/Filtration System 
  • Alternative Power Source (solar/thermal/?) 
  • Restroom/Locker Facilities 
  • Team Equipment Storage 
  • Participants Rest Area (tent city) – easy access and clean 
  • Public Wi-Fi
    Access for customers 
  • Special Events Plaza 
  • Adjacent Temporary Park (bid alternative) 
Companies have until Aug. 2 to submit designs for the complex.

What do you think of the idea? Tell us in the comments section below.

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