The Aquatic Sport Council, many municipalities and pool owner/operators promote the approach that the municipality and aquatic sport community and other interested parties working better together will best determine the use and design of pools based on community needs. The intent is to bring a multitude of aquatic expertise to the table to identify the current strengths and challenges in the pool supply and work on meaningful options.

Building a team of capable individuals and interested parties is a key element in gaining the critical momentum needed toward the development of a community and sport friendly pool. The first step will be to develop a key contact list of interested residents and host a general meeting to address the current situation, develop a joint vision and a path forward. This may require effort to articulate what the true needs are. Is it a matter of not having enough pool time? Is it that the pool is not conducive to training and competition? Might it be that there is a waiting list each year of swimmers that cannot be accommodated thus stunting growth of aquatic activities? Ongoing dialogue is critical to the success of a full aquatic continuum.

Most successful initiatives have been developed by a team with the right skills and competencies needed to get the job done. The team provides a vision based on real evidence and builds a plan to move the initiative forward. In order to start the investigative process it is advised to make a list of the skills and competencies needed and to fill those shoes so to speak.

Community leaders and key spokespersons must possess a combination of the following skill sets and competencies;

• Planning skills
• Communications
• Computer & technical skills
• Research skills
• Business acumen
• Partnership Development expertise
• Local champions who garner respect and credibility
• Connections to fund developers and local service clubs
• Fund development skills
• Architectural expertise
• Local & provincial aquatic and aquatic sport experts
• Elected official