September 25, 2018
The WCAF, in continuing our effort to keep the aquatic community appraised of activity that effects the Clarke Swim Center, is providing this update.
We are happy to share that the City of Walnut Creek has recently launched the Your Parks, Your Future Campaign. This campaign is designed to study the master plans and updating of critical facilities at Heather Farm Park, (including the 50-year old Clarke Swim Center) Civic Park and the Shadelands Art Center.
The City has allocated $750,000 in consulting fees to assess its programming needs and to update the master plans accordingly for these locations. The city has stated that it wants the community’s input on what programming and facility needs are important to them. An advisory committee has been created for the purpose of obtaining community feedback at community workshops, public meetings and through an online survey. To learn more about the City’s Your Parks, Your Future Campaign visit walnut-creek.org/yourparks.
It is critical that everyone effected by the future of the swim center gives feedback to the City during this campaign so the City understands how important the Clarke Swim Center is to our community and that its renovation is a priority. We are asking each of you to let the City know your priorities for programming and facility renovations.
Here is how you can make your viewpoint known:
o Attend the family-friendly Community Open House and Pizza Party for an overview of the planning process and to provide input on Arts and Recreation programming. October 3 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Civic Park.
- Talk to your friends and neighbors about the Your Parks, Your Future Campaign and encourage them to attend the community event or take the online survey. Let them know how important the Clarke Swim Center is to you and your family.
- Register online to receive updates from the City about the parks campaign at walnut-creek.org/yourparks.
- Take the online survey at walnut-creek.org/yourparks (It is not up yet but the City has said they will be putting a survey online. Keep trying!)
- Participate in pop-up survey events. We have heard the City will be soliciting feedback from community members at public events such as the farmers’ markets and Walnut Festival. Be on the look out and give your input.
The WCAF remains committed to partnering with the City to allow recreational, learn-to-swim, competitive, fitness, and therapeutic aquatic programs to thrive in Walnut Creek as they have for the past 50 years. To receive updates from WCAF, please join our Facebook group.
Thank you for your support of aquatics!
Mike Heaney, Walnut Creek Aquatic Foundation President