I agree with Tom Lamar's statement:
>I swim at the UI often and object to the cave-like feel of the
> pool.
It feels cave like, the shallow pool is not really shallow enough for all
users, and I freeze going down the tunnel.
As Tom also said:
>A shallow area with a
> sloped entry will give the elderly and users of wheel chairs more
> opportunity for enjoyment.
I need to add that the very young will enjoy it more too. When the UI
offers swimming lessons to those 5 years and under, they put tables in the
shallow pool so that the kids can stand on them and have their heads out of
the water. My children seemed much more relaxed at the old city pool,
because there was a place where they could stand up.
So, outdoors or at least outdoor light is good. Meeting multiple needs is
imperative, and one of those needs is a very shallow area, possibly sloping
into more deep areas. It is important to do something that is well done and
will stand up to our climate (freezing, thawing, sun) for long enough to be
cost effective, and will be able to have enough patrons to cover
maintenance, etc.
Thanks for listening.
Melodie