This seminar will explain the innovations in future aquatic centers designed over the next two or three decades, and how these features will be funded, how they will be designed and how they will be operated….. and by what standards. In any profession, the creative ideas for thefuture are developed by a small group of visionaries. The established mindset among most people is like the earth’s gravity. It takes a great amount of discipline and energy to escape the gravitational pull of the old ways. A visionary look at the future of aquatic design, programming and operations addresses first things first, MONEY. Without adequate funding, the appropriate physical facility cannot be designed and constructed, the appropriate activities cannot be programmed and the necessary operations cannot be executed which includes healthy protocols for all aspects of user interaction with the pools. Everything comes down to money….. and aquatics is no exception. Large water parks in resort locations have successfully achieved a positive cash flow, although some have not. In the public sector, almost all facilities require subsidization, and then most must struggle with short falls in funding for the life cycle repairs and even for staff positions. The greatest changes in the field of facility design and activity programming has been water quality management, water recreational play features and incremented sales tax captured for municipal recreation projects. This observation is based upon 4 decades in the field of aquatics during which time many concepts have appeared on the scene and with the majority falling out of favor. What was different about those that have taken root and thrived? Reflecting upon its experience over the past 37 years, this session will discuss not only probabilities for the future, but also continuing direction of trends which originated decades ago. As an attendee at this seminar you will have the opportunity to share your visions as well. D. Scot Hunsaker is president of Counsilman-Hunsaker, an industry leader in aquatic planning, design and engineering with offices in St. Louis, Missouri and Los Angeles, California. A graduate of Indiana University School of Business, Scot leads a team of 25 highly-qualified individuals who have provided comprehensive aquatic consulting services for over 750 aquatic projects, many of which have been recognized and honored by top industry organizations. Over the past 20 years, Scot has assisted a variety of clients including developers, owners, operators, governmental agencies, and architectural firms with aquatic planning services. Scot is responsible for conducting over 130 feasibility studies which include city-wide master plans, strategic planning, and market planning projects. He has the ability to understand the needs of the client and addresses their unique concerns. With the majority of work in the public sector, Scot’s interaction frequently involves groups such as local political leadership, park boards, recreational professionals, community residents, aquatic staff, swim coaches, school representatives, advisory boards, special interest groups, and citizens. Scot’s aquatic’s expertise helps cities in the early development stages when faced with the decision to repair, replace, renovate or to build a potential new facility. To share his insight and knowledge of the industry, Scot has published articles which have appeared in many industry publications. His most recent article is titled, “Recipe for Success”, which was featured in the July 2007 issue of Splash & Spray magazine. It explores the challenges faced when building a new municipal aquatic center. Along with these publications, Scot continues to be an active speaker at national conferences including the Athletic Business Conference, NRPA Conference, JCCs of North America Professional Conference, and MPRA – Gateway to Success Conference. Scot Hunsaker is an active member in the aquatics industry and has served as past president of the National Swim & Recreation Association.
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