November 20, 2012
Tuesday AM

Thank you for voicing you concerns about the Gateway Aquatic Center (GAC). The issues you raise have been previously identified by GAC staff and they are actively working with the contractor to resolve them.

The private shower areas in the general locker rooms were not intended to be the primary handicap accessible showers. The primary handicap accessible showers are in the family changing room. However, GAC staff met with representatives from Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) to review the current general locker room layout and have identified upgrades that will improve their accessibility. These upgrades do include a higher, wider bench and a more open layout.

The floors in the locker rooms are going to be replaced with non-skid tiles and this should resolve the drainage and slippage issues. The contractor has been notified of the loose tiles in the main natatorium and they will be addressed. Likewise tiles have been ordered that will cover the joint between the wall and the floor and will be installed in a timely manner.

Staff is working with the contractor to resolve the water adjustment issues in the shower as well as the shower head configuration in the gang showers. Staff is also working with the contractor on the stainless steel corrosion and once remedied, should not require excessive maintenance.

The recently installed double glass doors are an interim step while we work to resolve the air flow situation in the natatorium. Additional lockers will be installed in the hallway and this should alleviate the need for items to be placed on the floor.

We appreciate your patience while we work through our punch list from the construction phase of the project and move into the fully operational phase.

If you have further concerns, questions or ideas, please do not hesitate to contact GAC staff.

Agnes Moran
Ketchikan, AK

About:"Borough Assembly Member involved with the Gateway Aquatic Center project and mother of two swimmers"

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