Help us determine the
future of Azionaqua!
The
Azionaqua
Club began on March 15, 1958 at the home of Zionsville resident Henry Beard,
who acted as “temporary chairman” for the group. Virgil Knapp, Herman
Gettle, Paul Chapman, C.A. Ewing, Jack Kieth, Frank Thomas, Jim Stephens and
Henry Beard served as the first directors with the mission to establish a
club for family recreation in or near Zionsville. From that evening almost
50
years ago, our club has grown to over 1000 families. The original
constitution and by-laws specified members join as families, and prohibited
alcohol on the premises. We have always been a private club, and remain the
only outdoor pool in the area.
The
current Azionaqua board of directors and the management feel that it is
important that we continue to fulfill the mission of the founders: to
provide safe and healthy summer recreation for families in and around
Zionsville. The club members own Azionaqua, and your input into our future
is vital.
Our
most valuable asset is land. We own over 12 acres. With the growth of the
community and of our membership, we have the opportunity to expand and
enhance our facility. Our board and management have for years pursued
policies stressing and resulting in fiscal responsibility, which have
allowed us to maintain and modernize while keeping dues affordable.
Some
of the major improvements at Azionaqua recently
-
Repair
and increased depth of diving well
-
Bath
house remodeling
-
Stainless
steel gutter and return lines
-
New
filter system and main circulation pump
-
Updating
of electrical service
-
New
“junior pool” and playground area
-
Basketball
court
-
Automated
chemical feed system for both pools
-
New filter house to
accommodate future improvements/pools
-
Resurfacing of the
bottom of the main pool with a long lasting epoxy material
-
Movement of the fence
at the northeast corner of the pool to provide several hundred
square feet of usable grass area adjacent to the deck
-
Beautification of the
deck area by placing several shrubs, as well as several small shade
trees within the deck area.
-
Large pool northwest
corner expansion and steps.
To address our needs for the near future, your board of directors is
considering the following improvements:
1.
A “water playground” or “splash pad” similar to (but somewhat
smaller than) Lawrence Inlow Park nearby in Carmel. This project would, we
feel alleviate crowding in the “junior pool” area as well as provide
additional fun and interest for our younger members. A water playground makes
economic sense in that it provides maximum usage for the initial costs and
long-term operating costs. Projected
cost: $175,000
2.
Complete replacement of the main pool bottom. While it holds water
fairly well (for being over 40 years old), our pool bottom is rough. Many
areas must be patched each spring at significant labor cost. At the time the
bottom is replaced, we could fill in the deep end to four feet to greatly
expand the recreational area in the main pool. Projected cost: $191,000
3.
To preserve deep water activities we would like to consider an
additional pool, 25 yards X 6 lanes with a deep end. This would provide space
for swim meets, lap swimming, diving boards or other features, and would be
heated. It would also afford the opportunity to remain open later in the
season. Projected cost: $275,000
4.
Renovation of the bath house and construction of a new separate
concession stand. We could enlarge and modernize both changing areas.
Projected cost: $45,000
5.
Construction of a shade structure enclosing the concession area. We
would do away with the use of umbrellas to provide shade and construct a
structure similar to that on the north end of the pool near the junior
pool. Projected cost: $14,000
6.
Expand the fenced area to provide for grass/picnic areas within the
pool enclosure.
We
are currently in a good financial position, but these improvements will
necessitate borrowing if they are to be accomplished in the foreseeable
future.