Plymouth Pool survey results, what people like

The Plymouth Park Department is exploring concepts to improve the 55-year-old pool in Centennial Park. Three concepts developed by the Troyer Group range in cost from $4 million to over $9 million. 

During this month’s Park Board meeting, Mike Reese explained the concepts and the options that were selected for each one.  He also discussed the results of a survey that was conducted by the city.  The survey determined who, how, and how much the pool is used by the 223 individuals who participated in the survey.

69% of city residents and 63% of non-residents use the pool during open swim hours, and 18% and 37% use the pool for swim lessons.  Other activities included group parties or events, and day camps or participation with the Boys & Girls Club.  23% of city residents who participated in the survey and 16% of non-residents who took the survey don’t use the pool. 

Outdated facilities and bathrooms were the main concern of residents and non-residents.  Lack of shade came in second, outdated amenities like pool furniture were third by both groups, and being too busy or crowded was fourth.  Other comments were the limited hours of operation, the configuration of the facility, and not enough events or programs.

Additional concerns provided by survey participants included outdated, dirty, or damaged features like the pool lining, stairs, changing rooms, bathrooms, and locker rooms.  Slippery floors, a rough pool bottom, and the need for modernization came up along with not enough for toddlers, hours not suitable for working parents, a lack of a concession stand, and a lack of shade. 

The pool survey for the Plymouth Park Department also asked participants to rate a few features.  A zero-depth entry pool had the highest rating at followed by a shallow water splash play feature.  A splash pad that doesn’t require a lifeguard was next, and the lap pool was last. 

The survey had 12 options that could be included in the various concepts, and the top one from participants was a lazy river, followed by shade sails for pool seating, a large slide, splash equipment, a toddler play area, a smaller slide, and diving boards. Other options were a water obstacle course, pool zipline, beach ball play dome, pool rock wall, and a basketball hoop.

Mr. Reese from the Troyer Group said there was an emphasis on affordable pricing for local and low-income families, a strong interest in having a concession stand, requests for accessibility for people with disabilities, and a strong desire for a larger, updated pool. 

Some who took the survey expressed emotional or nostalgic connections to the pool over the decades and a strong call to preserve the social and employment value the pool provides. 

The Plymouth Park Board hasn’t made any decisions and would like to hear from the tax-paying citizens of Plymouth, but also from those who use the pool occasionally or daily.  The next city park board meeting will be on Monday, June 2^nd, at 5 p.m. at the Conservation Club House.