Carmel Mountain Ranch Community Pool
Coordinating the design and construction of a public swimming pool in conjuntion with a private fitness center has resulted in a community facility that offers a broad range of recreational activities. Although each building and its supporting parking is contained within separate parcels of land, the complex has been designed to appear and function as one complete recreation and health center. The 3,200 SF poolhouse is operated by the same staff operating the 20,000 SF fitness center.
This project was a joint venture between the planned community’s developer, the municipality, and the health club operator. This partnership provides the community with extended hours of use and year-round operation. The two facilities are required to function separately in the case that the city was to take over the pool operations.
Although there were three owners involved, the site was developed as a single entity. Access to the pool by two user types was accomplished by routing everyone through the health club. Public users pay at the front desk and proceed directly to the bath house. Club members check in and use the facilities within the club.
Due to the City’s budget constraints, it was important to make a bold statement with the building’s entry and lobby space. Because the pool is operated by a business and not by the city, it needed to have an upscale appearance.
As a public project, the pool facility has been raised to a higher standard than the other municipal pools in the region. It truly feels like an exclusive, private club and gives the community a pride of ownership.
