A series of public engagement meetings have been scheduled and a new online tool will be launched as part of a feasibility study exploring the possibility of a community indoor aquatic center in Dubuque.

In 2012, the Dubuque Community School District reached out to the City of Dubuque to discuss possibilities for an indoor community aquatic center after assessing the district’s current pool at Hempstead High School. The assessment established that the $1.4 million improvements needed would still not bring the 43-year-old pool up to current competition standards.

Together, the City Council and Board of Education selected Novak Design Group to conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the possible creation of a new, stand-alone indoor aquatic center to serve the needs of the Dubuque community. The study will help determine the potential impact of an indoor aquatic center as well as what such a facility would look like in order to meet the needs of the school district, the city’s leisure services department and the community as a whole. The study will also determine approximate costs and funding options for an aquatic center. The school district currently has $7 million in one-cent sales tax dollars earmarked for the project as part of the district’s long-term facilities plan.

Following is the schedule for the public engagement meetings:

Tuesday, March 25: Open Forum for Idea Generation
Location: Aigler Auditorium, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, 360 W. 11th St.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
During these two sessions, the study’s consultants will have idea generation exercises available to gather input on what features might be included in a community aquatic center. They will also be on hand to answer any questions.

Tuesday, April 22: Open Forum for Concept Input
Location: Majestic Room, Five Flags Center, 405 Main St.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
During these two sessions, the study’s consultants will share a series of possible design concepts and allow an opportunity for feedback from attendees.

For those unable to attend the meetings in person, feedback opportunities will be available through a new tool called MindMixer. MindMixer allows for interactive idea generation and feedback on ideas as well as the chance to get questions answered.

For more information, contact the DCSD School and Community Relations Office at (563)552-3020.

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