Civic Engagement: Fairfax Pool Civic Action Team
After 20+ years of use, the Fairfax Municipal Pool requires significant repairs to the aging infrastructure of the facility. Potential mechanical system renovations planned for 2012 are estimated to cost $1 million. Major project costs would include $480,000 to replace the existing sand filter system; $278,000 for a new pump house for the filter system; and $120,000 to repair water leaks and ventilation of the chemical storage area. An additional $1 million in upgrades for the bathhouse, concession area, and modernized water amenities are projected over the next 6 – 7 years.
Before making a final decision to fund major investments, we are convening a diverse citizens group to assess the importance of continued pool operations for the Eau Claire community. The citizen work group will include approximately 15 participants who will have an opportunity to learn and apply a unique civic problem-solving approach to the issue of future pool operations, including whether to move forward with the pool capital improvements, as well as how the community should fund the improvements.
The Fairfax Pool Civic Action Team will use participatory civic engagement practices we have developed over the past several years through Clear Vision Eau Claire and the Center of Democracy and Citizenship. Core practices will include:
- Values house meeting
- One-on-one interviews
- Power-mapping, and
- Public evaluation.
The Fairfax Pool Civic Action Team will meet from February through July, with a goal of submitting its recommendations prior to July 11, 2011. Work group participants will be invited to participate in an eight-hour civic engagement training session scheduled for January 31 and February 2 from 5-9 p.m at the Royal Credit Union office building in Phoenix Park. The training will be conducted by Dennis Donovan, an internationally acclaimed trainer and facilitator with the Center for Democracy and Citizenship at Augsburg College.
For more information regarding the Fairfax Pool Civic Action Team or to submit an application for consideration please contact the City Manager’s Office at 839-4902 or email cityhall@eauclairewi.gov and indicate “Fairfax Pool Civic Action Team” in the subject line.