CARY TAKES THE PLUNGE INTO NEW SWIM CENTER

Town Council Opts for Regional Facility with Commitment of Private Support

CARY , NC –After years of study and with citizen support of a 2003 recreation bond referendum that identified aquatics as a potential project, the Cary Town Council tonight voted to pursue a regional aquatics venue concept for the first Cary Town Government aquatics facility.  The move is conditioned upon a private group—Friends of the Town of Cary Aquatics Center—making a firm commitment to and creating a fundraising plan for at least $5 million of the facility’s expected $30 million capital cost.  While no specific location was identified tonight, the Town will be analyzing vacant sites of at least 15 acres in northern Cary , including but not limited to a 30-acre parcel owned by the Town across from its existing North Cary Park near the intersection of Cary Parkway and Norwell Boulevard .

In conceptual terms, the regional facility will offer one 10,000-square foot outdoor leisure pool with a waterslide and zero depth beach entry and two indoor pools:  an indoor leisure pool and a 50 meter-by-25 yard competition pool with adjustable bulkhead and floor that will allow for meets, training, and spring board diving.  Seating for up to 1,000 spectators is also part of the concept.

As a signal of support to Friends of Town of Cary Aquatics Center and other potential contributors, the Council tonight also set aside an additional $10 million toward the project, bringing the Town government’s total cash commitment to $15 million.  In addition, the Town expects this regional venue to qualify for $10 million in occupancy/food & beverage taxes collected in Wake County .

With today’s Council decision for a regional facility, Town staff will begin developing a proposal for how to proceed with the project, starting with a site analysis process plan.  Staff recommendations on these next steps are expected to go to the Council this December.

Updated information about the project, including opportunities for public involvement, will be available at www.townofcary.org.

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