Chula Vista Development Services Department Principal Landscape Architect Patricia Ferman facilitated a public meeting on Nov. 30 with plans for a proposed Loma Verde update and redesign.
Representatives from Jeff Katz Architecture revealed proposed plans in the online meeting and explained design choices based on previously-supplied resident feedback, then laid out next steps for the redo.
Katz Architect Jim Summers said one of the big goals was to transform the current layout from two separate facilities into a community center through two segments of construction: the first segment focuses on the recreation center and a second segment of construction will focus on the aquatics center surrounding the pool.
The final segment of the project will focus on the pool itself and although the Katz firm is not involved with that portion of the project, Summers said they are factoring the pool into their plans so the completed facility has one cohesive design.
Ferman said the city does not currently have a pool developer slated for segment three nor an estimated timeline to design and construct that segment of the project.
Project Architect Christie Jewett described the design for the first two segments of construction, which incorporates resident suggestions from about 30 attendees at a July 27 meeting. A single main entrance intended to bring visitors of all ages together under one roof and promote intergenerational mingling features heavily in driving the design concept.
“The existing facilities have two separate entrances; our overall concept makes one central lobby that is easier for staff to man and control,” Jewett said before leading viewers on a virtual tour of the artistically-rendered facility.
Jewett said the proposed recreation center has full basketball courts with new flooring and padded wall panels for safety beneath large windows intended to bring in natural lighting. Down the hall, a redesigned craft room has a kitchenette for convenience and a large, modular meeting hall has two sets of dividers capable of transforming the space into three smaller rooms.
Outside, the aquatics center will include accessible rooms for families as well as lifeguard storage and outdoor cubbies for pool patrons, and an outdoor shower wall.
The women’s changing area features private shower areas and private changing areas in addition to restroom facilities. Jewett held off on entering the men’s changing area but said it is similarly laid out.
An aquatics office was designed to overlook the deck with large windows and an inside counter space area where visitors can ask questions about programs at the pool.
Jewett described the overall concept as warm and welcoming, with lots of color incorporated into the exterior design and details that are in keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Act and promote inclusivity.
“The building will continue to be additionally refined throughout the construction document process,” Jewett said.
Ferman also said the updated building is being designed to be more efficient than the current facility.
“For example, we are utilizing LED (light emitting diode) lighting and lighting controls that are much more energy efficient, high efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, highly efficient building components like insulated and concrete walls, dual-glazed windows,” Ferman said.
The next step, she said, is to present the plans to the Parks and Recreation commission, then city council in early 2021. If approved, plans will be finalized in June, 2021 despite the fact that the project is still not entirely funded.
Ferman said project stakeholders believe proceeding with the design of the facility will increase competitiveness for future grant opportunities.
“While many projects do in fact have funding for construction in place before plans are developed, it is not unusual to complete the plans first before all construction funding is secured. This is particularly true where grant funding or other funding sources are used for construction and capitalizing on the ability to quickly start construction when the funding is secured is critical,” Ferman said.
Additional questions can be directed to Ferman at pferman@chulavistaca.gov.
