The architectural consulting firm Cannon Design described the development of recreation and sport facilities from concept to construction completion in a presentation at the 2008 Athletic Business Conference and Expo. The presentation ``How to Initiate a Feasibility Study was presented by Robert Johnson and Colleen McKenna. The following illustration describes what must happen to gain approval for a project and then take the owner/operator through the concept design and construction processes. It is important for community groups advocating the development of aquatic sport friendly facilities to realize that the planning, approval, design and construction processes can take many years to accomplish and that the processes are complex.
| PROJECT STEPS |
DESCRIPTION |
| DEPARTMENTAL MASTER PLAN |
Multi-year planning document that identifies community priorities in the delivery of parks and recreation services and the refurbishment of existing or development of new facilities (includes research and significant consultation with the public). Facility refurbishment/development is prioritized over a number of years. |
| APPROVAL FROM COUNCIL TO PROCEED WITH A FEASIBILITY STUDY |
More detailed consultation with key stakeholders and public driven at the staff level as to the facility components at a high level, approximate programming elements, location etc., presentation to Committee and Council to proceed. |
| CONSULTANT SELECTION |
Select the best possible consultant team for the project, having regard for budget and level of in-house expertise. |
| NEEDS ANALYSIS |
Produce a document that identifies and justifies space needs based on capacity and anticipated fill rates in the first 5 years of operation. |
| DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPACE PROGRAM |
Produce a summary document that lists spaces, areas, and relationships required to meet a proven need. The space program is the basis for conceptual capital and operating budgets, master planning, feasibility studies and schematic design. |
| SITE MASTER PLANNING |
Prepare an easily comprehended and flexible document (often a conceptual drawing) that creates a basis for future incremental implementation of its components (possible phasing in of facility components). |
| SCHEMATIC DESIGN |
Interprets the functional spaces and relationships of the program - resolves planning and contextual issues within budget constraints and creates a working piece of architecture. |
| DESIGN DEVELOPMENT |
To prepare a set of technical drawings that describe basic materials and engineering systems. This is a transition from planning and aesthetics to a more technical emphasis. |
| CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS |
Production of a final set of architectural and engineering drawings and specifications that will permit excellent contractor bids and trouble-free construction. This is the most difficult phase of design to maintain user involvement. |
| COMMITTEE AND COUNCIL APPROVAL |
Most Councils will require staff to report out at this phase of facility development to gain approval to go out to tender with the required specifications and to ensure that there has been adequate public consultation and agreement |
| BIDDING OR NEGOTIATION |
A Request for Proposal or possible negotiation to get the best qualified contractor to build your building at a fair price. |
| COMMITTEE AND COUNCIL APPROVAL |
Once a recommendation to award the construction contract is brought forward to Council consideration, staff must demonstrate that the recommended firm is qualified and can demonstrate the most efficient and effective use of the tax dollar. |
| CONSTRUCTION |
To build the building in accordance with the construction documents - on budget, on time with minimal change orders. |
| POST OCCUPANCY EVALUATION |
To ensure that minor omissions are corrected and that any defects that surface during the maintenance period are corrected. |
