What are you thinking of doing?

The idea is simple: create a space for active recreation including lap swimming, water aerobics, lessons in swim safety and swimming, injury recovery, basic exercise and rehabilitation. 

Do people really want this?

Yes. A PROs survey in October, 2004 showed that the number two desire of the community was a pool. The first and third most popular desires have now been met: nature trails and a dog park. Water exercise is a healthy addition to the recreational options in Cambria now. It’s also important from a purely safety point of view for children and teens to learn to swim, especially when they live so close to the ocean and nearby lakes. A community-wide survey by Cambria’s PROS (Parks, Recreation and Open Space) Commission in 2018 showed that the vast majority of respondents want a pool at Shamel Park. 

The County will be holding community meetings to get broad community feedback about what kind of aquatics program they would enjoy and how they envision the updated park.

What would it cost and where will you get the money?

The cost depends on what is built. We are thinking we should have a pool for lap swimming, water aerobics, swim lessons and physical therapy. With one pool and locker rooms/bathrooms the cost is estimated at about $5 million, which includes an endowment for maintenance to build on the money the county is currently spending on the old pool’s maintenance. There are a variety of potential ways to fund the effort, including a combination of private gifts, government and nonprofit grants, and possibly parks and recreation funds.  

Where would it be located?

The plan is to replace the old pool. It was built in the 1940’s – and its maintenance buildings are deteriorating. The new pool would most likely be placed on the south end of Shamel Park, and the old pool area would be turned into additional grassy park space for recreation and picnicking. 

How big would the pool be?

We’re planning to build a pool that would be 25 yards and 6 lanes wide, with a walk-in entry and a deep end of eight feet.  

Would the pool be covered?

One possibility would be to have a greenhouse-style cover that will allow fresh air and sunshine into the pool area when the weather is nice but would provide a warmer environment when it is cold, foggy or rainy. 

What will be in the Pool House?

The pool house would include women’s and men’s locker rooms with bathrooms and a few showers. It would also include the mechanical equipment necessary to run the pool. 

Would it be Free to Use the Pool?

The pool would be open to the public. We anticipate providing a year-round pass and a day pass option, as well as swim scholarships for classes and activities.  It is common to charge small fees for pool use to help support the maintenance and programming. 

Who would use it?

The pool program would be enjoyed by virtually the entire community, young and older, full-timers, part-timers, people recovering from injuries and health problems, and those just looking for fun and accessible recreation. The pool we envision would be heated, available year round, and would be large enough to support a variety of community aquatic activities.

What hours would the pool be open?

We’re thinking it would be something like 7 or 8 am until 5 p.m. but that has not been decided yet. We want the pool to be dark-sky compliant and not have lighting that could disturb the neighbors. 

Can a community like ours do this?

Yes. There are many examples of similar communities that have created this important recreational outlet. 

Is this mostly just for lap swimmers?

It’s for everyone. Water exercise is increasingly popular for a broad range of people and abilities because it puts virtually no stress on the joints. Some people benefit from walking in the shallow end of the pool, or use the deep end with a floatation belt. Because water provides 12 times the resistance of air, you can significantly strengthen and build muscle as you walk in water.

What about water?

After the initial filling of a pool (which can be done with water that is imported from outside the community, if necessary), the amount of water necessary to maintain the water level is low. It takes 126,000 gallons to fill a 25-by-15 yard pool averaging five feet in depth. And a properly maintained pool can go a number of years without having to be refilled. For the pool we are envisioning, the water use on an annual basis would be no more than that of a single household.

Why can’t we just use other community pools?

Having a community pool close to home makes it more accessible for everyone, and more likely that people, young or older, working or retired, with personal transportation or without it, can participate.  Many people have tried participating in pool programs that are farther away and the time and distance make it difficult.