Why Now?
The Aquatic Center is approaching 30 years old.
After nearly 30 years of use, the facility is aging, becoming more expensive to maintain, and facing significant problems that make it increasingly difficult to operate reliably.
Repairs are becoming more frequent and more expensive. A 2023 feasibility study found that repair costs were already higher than would typically be expected for a facility of this type.
Some of the most serious problems are below the surface and cannot be seen by visitors. Testing after the 2023 season found significant water loss in the lazy river, lap pool, leisure pool basins and surge tanks.
The leaks are located beneath the pool structures, deep underground, and cannot be repaired.
The City’s five-year plan has consistently anticipated permanently closing the Aquatic Center after the 2026 season.
Delaying a decision also affects the cost and timing of a potential replacement. The design team estimated that moving the vote from November 2026 to April 2027 would add approximately $427,090 in construction costs and move the anticipated opening of a new facility from 2028 to 2029.
If the propositions do not pass, the City would continue with the closure as planned and would return to City Council with information related to demolition, removal and restoration of the site.
City staff have maintained the Aquatic Center for nearly 30 years.
Corrosion on railings, metal structures and stair treads at the play and slide structures
Deterioration, cracking and settlement of the spray pad deck
Non-functioning filter gauges, worn piping and aged filtration media in the mechanical building
A 2023 study found:
A significant water leak in the leisure pool
Leaks in the stainless steel perimeter gutter and cracks in the concrete basin of the lap pool
A noticeable water leak and damaged gutter grating in the lazy river
The most serious problems are in parts of the facility that people cannot see. The leaks are underneath the pool structure, deep into the ground and cannot be fixed.