Cherokee Moves to Dim Light, Noise From Aquatic Center

While the Cherokee County Aquatic Center has become a popular place for residents, some of its neighbors are having to deal with the downside of living next to the new attraction.

A few residents inside the Falls of Cherokee neighborhood along Sixes Road have been in talks with the county government on what could be done to lessen noise and lights generated from the aquatic center. 

The Board of Commissioners last week voted to move forward with installing privacy fencing along one portion of the parking lot. That move would reduce the glare of headlights on houses adjacent to the lot, said Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency Director Bryan Reynolds.

Reynolds also said the county will also attempt to "to re-aim and shield some of the outdoor lighting to minimize the impact on the neighbors while maintaining the required minimum light levels."

The main concerns expressed by the homeowners in the neighborhood have been the sound from two of the center's pool dehumidification units — better known as PoolPaks — and the light from the outdoor pool deck, Reynolds added.

Three homes are directly impacted by the light and noise. 
 
The county, along with District 3 Commissioner Brian Poole, have been meeting with members of the neighborhood for the past several weeks to observe the problems and come up with solutions to resolve the issues.  

Reynolds added the county will continue to review what it could do to lower the light levels inside the facility while "maintaining the required minimum light levels."

Since the PoolPaks are "making much less noise" as they are now operating in winter mode, they agency will wait until the spring to test the sound level, he added. 

Once the levels are tested, they will bring a recommendation to the county commission about what could be done to lessen the noise. 

However, according to District 1 Commissioner Harry Johnston, it does appear the county will have to be more proactive. 

"It seems like we are going to have to take more steps, including something to bring down the noise of the equipment," he said, adding the county should do whatever it can to be the best neighbors to the residents.

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