Aquatics Survey Results

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

Introduction

The City of Bartow is planning to construct a new municipal pool for the purpose of restoring an aquatics program to the community. To provide insight into the decision regarding location, amenities and programming, the city conducted a survey which ran from June 24 to July 19, 2024.

In all, there were 962 surveys collected and validated for this project. Of these, 773 were submitted electronically and 190 were submitted and processed in paper form. Respondents included 56 children from the City's summer camp program.

Of those who completed the survey, 681 designated themselves as residents and 19 classified themselves as business owners. And additional 52 respondents identified as both residents and business owners. Thirty-six respondents indicated that these choices were not applicable to them. In most of these instances, these people live outside the city limits.

Age Demographics of Respondents

Under 18: 68 (7%)
18-24: 37 (4%)
25-34: 196 (20%)
35-44: 255 (27%)
45-54: 139 (14%)
55-64: 122 (13%)
65+: 145 (15%)

TOTAL: 962 (100%)

Preferred Location

Of the total respondents, 617 selected the current Civic Center as their preferred location for the new pool and aquatics program and 310 selected the Oaks Building in downtown. Thirty-five respondents suggested an alternative location or provided other comments.

Amenities

Constructing a pool that is equipped for swimming lessons and exercising received the highest ranking on the amenities question at 85% of respondents (819). Providing a children’s pool (698 – 73%) and splash pads (616 – 64%) were the next highest rated amenities.

Other desired amenities and their number of mentions included:

Walkable / Bikeable: 288
Pavilion / Event Space: 431
Concessions / restaurants: 431
Play structures: 449
Zero depth entry: 381

Splash Pad Locations

Respondents were asked to provide feedback on potential locations for splash pads in the community. Mary Holland Park was selected by 689 respondents, while Carver Recreation Center was chosen by 376 and Polk Street Community Center by 230.

Programming

Swim lessons were the top selection in the programming category with 67% of respondents. Party rentals were next with 49% of respondents.

Other programming options were prioritized by the following numbers of respondents