Park City dives into major pool renovation, considers winter swimming

PC MARC pool updated renderings, kid/family area. Nov. 4, 2024. Photo: Park City Municipal // VCBO

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City Municipal has unveiled updated designs for a comprehensive renovation of the PC MARC aquatics facility, with construction scheduled to begin March 31, 2025, and completion targeted for October 1, 2025.

The project, which was proposed in February of this year, has undergone extensive community engagement, with 80% of survey respondents supporting the proposed design concepts. However, many residents advocated for year-round swimming options and expanded lap pool capacity during the public input process.

Responding to community feedback, the municipality expanded the initial six-lane lap pool design to eight lanes, increasing the surface area by 42% to 4,465 square feet. The project team is also evaluating the possibility of heating a section of the pool deck for winter access to the lap pool.

The leisure pool design incorporates the community’s top-requested features: a slide, zero-depth entry, and a mining-themed climbing wall, reflecting Park City’s heritage. Additional amenities include extensive shade structures and expanded seating areas, addressing frequent requests from pool users.

The renovation will introduce PVC-clad stainless steel pool construction, known as Myrtha Pool technology, which eliminates the need for replastering and offers improved durability and maintenance benefits. Both pools will utilize gutter systems for enhanced water circulation and safety.

The municipality plans to separate the lap and leisure pools with a physical barrier to maintain a quieter environment for lap swimmers while allowing families to enjoy the recreational features. A new year-round hot tub will be located near the locker rooms, and the facility will include a new “modern” lifeguard station replacing the existing temporary structure.

Additional improvements include a $75,000 allocation for public art, which may be used for decorative fencing. The municipality has submitted a grant application for $300,000 in Recreation, Arts & Parks Tax funding to supplement the project’s budget.

Construction bidding is scheduled to open in January 2025, with the City Council expected to award the contract in late February 2025.