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The Development of a Private Sector Facility |  | | 18 Important Steps 
Your club or organization may be dreaming of building your own facility. There are many things to consider and many steps you need to take to bring your dream to reality. Listed below is the relative order of steps for the development of a private-sector facility. Some steps may need to be done sooner in the order than others depending on the unique nature of the project. This list can be a good starting point for you to get an idea of all that is involved.
Validate the need for the type of facility you are planning to build. Never build a single use facility. Explore all possibilities for community service and aquatic programming.
Plan how the project will be funded. Where will the money come from and how will the debt reduction payments affect the budget?
Contact a professional facilities planning advisor. USA Swimming offers this service at no charge to our member clubs.
Location needs to be identified and available. You will probably need a Real Estate agent to help you with the process.
Formulate a business plan and a sketch of a facility design. If you intend to seek financial assistance, you will need a grant application or business plan which is understandable and verifiable.
Search for the Design & Build team. The USA Swimming consultant(s) will need to communicate with the architect/engineer/design & build firm so you may want to include them in this process.
Secure financing. Whether you raise money from existing business capital.
Legal Aspects.
Review the plans and conduct a “needs vs. wants” process to make sure project is serviceable to your plan and within the desired budget.
Contract the firm to create construction plans and working documents.
Pre-bid and Bid process. Submit plans for bidding to contractors. Make sure that all of the contractors have previous experience constructing pools.
Construction phase. Oversee as much of the construction as possible with emphasis on all of the equipment installation.
Develop a policies and procedures manual.
Determine hours of operation, programming, scheduling, and equipment needs to meet the needs of your clients.
Staff and Management Structure. Identify the positions and hire the staff that you will need.
Initiate marketing and public relations campaign to launch your program. Some of this needs to be done 6 months or more prior to the opening of the facility.
Inspections. Many building and health inspectors will have to give their “stamp of compliance” before you can open for business.
Schedule an official Grand Opening.
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