The purpose of this project is to create and understanding of the many issues and policies surrounding the construction of public swimming pool facilities, and to present viable options available to the city of Madison in building its own public aquatic center. Our goal is that by highlighting some of the political,social, and economic factors involved in creating a public swimming pool, that we can offer a valuable refereance to those unfamiliar with the process.

This project is the accumulation of research done over the past month on the topic of public swimming pools. This report first provides an overview of the history of support, or lack of support, that Madison has received toward building public pools. This review of Madison is followed by a full text transcript of an interview with the City Parks Superintenden about the current efforts of getting public pools built in Madison. Next, is an in depth analysis of other communities in Wisconsin, the United States, and around the world that have built public public swimming pools. Cities were chosen that had favorable characteristics to Madison, and are used to illustrate a varied number of approaches that can be taken in planning, funding, and building of a public swimming pool.

The last section of the project is a final set of reccommendations and analysis offered to the city of Madison on the topic of building a public pool. It compiles our recommendations in planning, funding, and building public pools, as well as the impact and benefits of public pools, and alternative options for Madison residents.