PC MARC looking to get a total makeover with new pool, community center

The design renderings of the new proposed pool for Park City MARC. Photo: Park City Municipal

PARK CITY, Utah — In a bid to modernize its recreational facilities and better serve its growing community, the Park City Municipal Athletic & Recreation Center (PC MARC) is about to undergo a significant transformation. The MARC is in the preliminary planning stage to get extensive upgrades, including a revamped pool area and the construction of a brand-new community center.

The decision to revitalize the MARC comes after years of wear and tear on its existing infrastructure, particularly evident in the aging pool facilities and the undersized community center. The City Council has already allocated substantial funds for the project in the fiscal year budget, including $6 million for the aquatic center and $15 million for the community center.

The renovation plans for the pool area, overseen by VCBO Architecture, will have one pool catering to lap swimmers while the other will offer features such as zero-depth entry, a waterslide, and expanded play areas.

Meanwhile, the new community center, designed by Sparano + Mooney Architects, addresses the demand for additional recreational space in Park City. The expanded facilities would allow the camp to expand to 150+ youth, with the potential to open the age group of the camp to include 4- and 5-year-olds.

The work session already garnered positive feedback from City Council, with Council Member Tana Toly saying, “It was one of the top priorities from the last council to get this going and I’m really excited to see this coming to us. I actually went to this camp in the 80’s… it was new then, so I’m excited.”

While this is still in the beginning stages of development, the city is pushing the timeline to start the pool construction in summer 2024 with an ideal completion date of summer 2025. Efforts are being made to engage the community and gather feedback on the project’s progress before the next phases. Park City voted down the last recreation bond in Nov. 2023, and council member Jeremy Rubell stated his fear of over-committing before hearing from the town.

“What I don’t want to do is go down a path where then we have to throw away work because we actually hear from the community and they say, ‘Yep, here we go again, you know, 20 or 30 people telling us what we want and it’s not what we want.’ That’s what we’re trying to avoid,” Rubell said.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 29 at 9 a.m. To join via Zoom, click here.