At a recent meeting of the ERPB, the much anticipated Murray Park Pool was presented. It is exciting that the pool is moving forward in an expeditious manner so that everyone can finally go for a swim! The design includes a kid's splash fountain, a shallow wading area leading to a lap pool, a small building with showers, bathrooms and a food concession, and perimeter fencing separating the pool from the remainder of Murray Park. While it is hopeful that the pool could be open year round (it will have heating), the current plan is to have the pool open only during the summer months. That is why the City should consider how the pool can be designed to reap maximum benefits from elements of the pool's facilities. For example: the restrooms, showers, snack bar, and splash fountain can be used year round.
Also, what will folks be seeing when the pool is not in operation? How can the view to the pool be a postcard image of, say, a lake framed by beautiful landscaping year round? Can the pool be a destination for special events such as weddings, etc? Currently, there is chain link fencing proposed at the pool's perimeter. Is chain link giving the right impression, and is such high fencing necessary? Can a lower security fence be obscured by landscaping and trees opening up to the view of the lake pool?
Other cities have endeavored to make their pools beautiful oases of leisure, such as neighboring Venetian Pool. Let's build a pool facility worthy of being a postcard image of South Miami!
