Comstock neighbors like new pool plan

After weeks of debate over the design of a new Comstock Pool, residents of the neighborhood last week agreed to support a design that offers space for lap swimmers as well as a recreational area for families and smaller children.

More than 50 Comstock-area residents agreed to support the proposed pool design, which includes a beachlike “zero-depth entry” area, water slide and a diving board.

Initially, lap swimmers resisted the proposed recreational elements, saying they wanted to maintain the older style of pool that could handle larger numbers of exercise swimmers.

But when consultants unveiled a compromise, the ideas were greeted with enthusiasm, said Nancy Goodspeed, parks spokeswoman.

The designs for pools in other parts of the city will also include recreational elements.

Construction of new pools is scheduled to begin after the 2008 swim season closes Aug. 22. They are being financed with a $42.9 million voter-approved bond issue. The city is on a tight schedule to get the designs ready for construction. The idea is to finish the pools in time for the 2009 swim season.

Reaction from Comstock residents was reportedly positive, Goodspeed said. The vote by neighbors at the May 14 meeting was unanimous, she said. One neighborhood member sent an e-mail to the city’s pool Web site (spokanepoolsandplay.com) complimenting the staff and consultants on finding the compromise.

“I love the new design,” said Amy Lutz, a fitness and health teacher. “In contrast to the first version, it really shows creativity in meeting the needs of all of the pool uses, including swim lessons, swim team, recreational, seniors and lap swimmers.”

Elsewhere, residents in the Hillyard area decided not to move their pool to Harmon Park to get the swimmers away from traffic on Haven and Market streets. The pool will be replaced at its existing location.

Witter Pool will be maintained as an Olympic-size competition pool and may have a smaller warm-up pool area. Residents near Witter Pool are also asking for recreational features for children.

If residents there prevail, it means that all of the six new city pools under the bond issue will have play elements such as bubblers and slides.