SandVenture, located in Lions Park, is one of four, sand bottom pools in the state.  The pool was constructed more than 50 years ago and remains a major attraction for Shakopee’s residents and the surrounding communities.  It was identified in the Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan as one of the most loved and desired amenities by residents.

The pool was used by more than 27,500 people in 2022, and use has grown more than 37% since 2018.  The pool is considered by area residents as their beach.  It is a zero-entry pool, which allows small children to learn to swim and also allows older adults and anyone with disabilities easy access.

Staff has presented plans for the redevelopment of SandVenture since 2018.  The facility has not had any major improvements for years.  The current liner, plumbing, curb walls are all failing and need to be replaced.  The sand has not been replaced for years.  The existing buildings are in poor condition and were poorly constructed.  The exterior material is failing.

The City retained Confluence to complete a feasibility study on reuse. Confluence retained USAquatics as a pool consultant and MSR as project architects. There was substantial community outreach including a Social Pinpoint site where the community put together its wish list of amenities and changes for SandVenture.

The team examined the entire site in the context of the community input and presented to council in 2021 final concept plans.  It was determined the existing building could not be reused and the recommendation was to demolish the pool, plumbing and buildings and install new liner, plumbing, curbing and structures.  New amenities were proposed including a climbing wall, resurfacing the slide, and a new childrens' area with seating for guardians.  One of the public's largest requests was better changing rooms, exterior community restrooms and exterior showers along with lockers. All of that has been included in the plans.

The original construction estimate was approximately $5 million.  Since that time, the city retained RJM Construction as the city's Construction Manager as Agent.  The original intent was to redevelop the site after the 2022 season and open a new facility in June 2023.  Because of supply chain issues and rapidly rising costs, it was recommended that the project be delayed until 2023.  Construction would start on September 1, 2023 and be completed by June 1, 2024.

RJM has still seen cost increases over the past year and projects that bids would come in at $7 million.  We are seeing in some recent projects, some more competitive pricing, and we are hoping that with bidding in June we will see a more competitive bidding environment.

RJM and the consultants have looked at phasing the project, however, given how everything in integrated, the belief is that it would not provide any large cost savings and would increase costs given the nature of the sand bottom pool and all of the interconnected utilities.  

The Finance Director has prepared info on funding to maintain the schedule and to allow the project to move forward.  The project has also been submitted but Representative Tabke and Senator Pratt for $4 million in State bonding.  Currently, the last bonding bill was voted down in the Senate.  If a bonding bill is passed that includes SandVenture, the $4 million would reduce the city's financing costs but would not impact the bidding or construction schedule. 

Confluence will present the latest plans at the meeting.