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The transformation of the Dimond Park Pool from a city wish into reality took off Thursday night with a presentation of four basic design concepts of a 34,000-square-foot, two-pool aquatic center.

Architectural consultant Wayne Jensen, of Jensen Yorba Lott, said the project's $19.8 million budget allows the new Mendenhall Valley pool to be twice the size of the Augustus Brown Swimming Pool downtown.

Jensen and his team presented pool concepts to about 30 parents, community members, coaches and city staff at Riverbend Elementary School. Two members of his team hold a combined experience of building more than 400 pools.

"At this point we're trying out ideas," Jensen said.

Whichever design is chosen, the building will feature a six-lane lap pool, a recreational pool, locker rooms, family changing rooms and a water slide.

The goal is to create a final design that attracts entire families, teens and adults, and serves local sports teams, he said.

The pool is important to 50-year Juneau resident Sandra DeLong who has been swimming for 30 years. DeLong, a valley resident who swims 800 yards five days a week, said she voted against the last pool the city proposed because it was too expensive. The slightly less expensive version won her approval last fall. Juneau can afford it, she said.

The new pool is the most expensive project in Juneau Parks and Recreation Department's history.

Shortly after hearing Jensen's presentation, the parents, coaches and city staff broke into small groups to design their own pools as a way to convey their wants to the design team. Working with paper cutouts of lobbies, pools, bleachers, rooms and water slides, the groups created varied designs.

Valley resident Curtis Holmes favored seating close to the recreational pool for parents to watch their kids. Mike Williams favored a square building over a rectangle. Shelia Fisher, city recreation specialist, included a rounded nonlinear recreation pool.

Lauren Livingston, an architect with Jensen's team, said the various groups all favored ramps over an elevator, good use of natural light and a square building. One group added a mocha stand, another a juice bar and another supported the inclusion of a sauna.

The three-phase design process should end next fall, and the city could seek bids in November, Jensen said.

With construction starting in the spring of 2009, the pool should open late in the summer of 2010, he said.

• Contact reporterGreg Skinner at 523-2258 or greg.skinner@juneauempire.com.