Title
A Resolution of Approval Regarding the Permanency of the Velodrome Roof Enclosure at Memorial Park
Presenter:
Kurt Schroeder, Parks Operations and Maintenance Manager
Aron McGuire, Senior Director - Olympic Training Centers
Body
Summary:
The Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center is requesting alteration of the initial permission granted by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board for a temporary/seasonal roof enclosure on the velodrome. Having found that the structure greatly enhanced training opportunities for the athletes the Olympic Training Center is requesting permission to make the velodrome roof enclosure a permanent fixture.
Previous Council Action:
Colorado Springs City Council approved the temporary/seasonal roof enclosure at their September 23, 2014 formal meeting.
Background:
The City of Colorado Springs and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) first entered into a Lease and Joint Use Development Agreement (Agreement) in 1982 for the development of the Velodrome in Memorial Park. The agreement established the framework that enabled the construction of the Velodrome and defined the ongoing partnership. The First Extension to the Agreement was entered into in July 2014.
In May 2014 representatives of the USOC requested permission to construct a temporary/seasonal roof structure on the Velodrome. Alternatives for enclosing the Velodrome included an inflatable ‘bubble’ structure and a ‘tent’ structure. The USOC engaged a team of consultants and determined that the ‘bubble’ enclosure was the preferred option.
The USOC presented the concept to City Council at a work session on September 7, 2014, and to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board on September 11, 2014 where it was approved unanimously by the Board. The item returned to a formal meeting of City Council on September 23, 2014, where it also received unanimous approval.
In the fall of 2018 the USOC requested that permission be granted to make the bubble a permanent fixture. Pursuant to this request, a public meeting was held on November 27, 2018. Post cards announcing the meeting were sent to addresses within 1000 feet of Memorial Park and City Communications circulated a press release to all media outlets. Sixty-six individuals signed the meeting attendance sheet. Fifty-seven comment cards were completed and returned at the meeting with fifty-six cards indicating the individual being ‘very supportive’ of the proposal and one card indicating the individual being ‘somewhat supportive’.
This item supports the City’s strategic goal relating to building community and collaborative relationships by providing additional recreational opportunities for athletes as well as the residents and visitors of Colorado Springs.
Financial Implications:
There will be no cost to the City. All costs associated with making the bubble permanent will be borne by the USOC. Maintenance and operations of the Velodrome are the responsibility of the USOC in accordance with the Lease and Joint Use agreement.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Board recommended approval of the request to allow the roof enclosure to be a permanent structure over the Velodrome on December 13, 2018.
Stakeholder Process:
A public meeting was held on November 27, 2018. Sixty-six individuals signed the meeting attendance sheet. Fifty-seven comment cards were completed and returned at the meeting with fifty-six cards indicating the individual being ‘very supportive’ of the proposal and one card indicating the individual being ‘somewhat supportive’.
Alternatives:
City Council may approve or disapprove the requested permanency of the roof enclosure.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move to approve the request by the United States Olympic Committee to allow the Velodrome roof enclosure to become a permanent fixture to the facility.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A