by Tom Chillemi –
There’s little question that Urbanna’s 52-year-old pool needs to be replaced. It topped citizens’ wish list when input was being gathered to develop a master plan for Taber Park.
Emerging from town council discussions is the idea of building an enclosed pool that could be used year around.
Council member Barbara Hartley brought up the idea a few months ago when the master plan for Taber Park was being formulated. While discussions are in the early stages, last week council seemed to agree that an enclosed pool is something to at least consider.
Pools can be enclosed using an inflated vinyl dome that is removed during the summer months. Similar to a Quonset hut roof, inflatable arch structures are often used to cover tennis courts.
Summer pools are open about three months. Operating costs would be higher on a 12-month pool. There would be year-round staffing, and heating the water would involve energy costs, it was pointed out at council’s November 21 meeting.
But an enclosed pool could attract people to Urbanna, Hartley told council. “It would be a major asset,” she said.
The town would need partners for an enclosed pool, said Hartley, who suggested the Middlesex YMCA or area schools might be interested in joining the town in this effort.
Council member George DeVries commented, “I agree with Barbara (Hartley) this is the one chance and, if it’s possible, we ought to do it. But we have to look at it.”
Council member Larry Chowning agreed adding an enclosed pool would be unique to the county and be an attraction.
Council member Boyd Wiley added that school swim teams could be formed if a year-around pool were available.
Master plan
Last week’s pool discussion came as council considered approving the proposed master plan “concept” for the 2.5 acres that is Taber Park. The plan was developed by Land Planning and Design Associates (LPDA), which held two citizen input meetings in Urbanna to determine what amenities citizens want.
Mayor Diane Gravatt noted that building a standard or enclosed pool would not change the layout for the park (see drawing).
Costs for an enclosed pool can be researched by LPDA, said Town Administrator Holly Gailey.
The current pool is “falling apart,” Gailey told council. About 5 years ago, council put $80,000 into the pool to stretch its useful life, but even so it is coming apart in “chunks,” she said. Also, a consultant has noted deficiencies in the current pool.
LPDA has offices in Charlottesville and Sterling in Northern Virginia. LPDA designed and built Town Centre Park on 8 acres in Kilmarnock. That $3.5-million park opened last year.
As a “community park,” Taber Park would serve residents within a 5-mile radius, said LPDA president Bill Mechnick during a public input meeting in January 2019.
Concept approved
Council voted unanimously to approve the “concept” and layout for Taber Park. Council’s approval does not finance any of the amenities that include two tennis courts, pickle ball court, a picnic pavilion, restrooms that would be open year around, and a new pool that would be built closer to Rappahannock Avenue. Also in the plan is a gazebo at the corner of Rappahannock Avenue and Bonner Street.
The property line for Taber Park is defined by extending the line of the fence on the long side of the pool to Rappahannock Avenue.
The open space to the north and wooded area is referred to as the “fairgrounds” and is privately owned.
