The Plano Parks and Recreation Department is looking to revitalize Jack Carter Park and Pool to make facilities more efficient and useful for all generations, said Amy Fortenberry, department director.

The current outdoor pool, built in 1981, has a number of deficiencies including corroded pipes and valves, rust, cracked tile and stained plaster, said George Deines, project manager with Counsilman-Hunsaker design firm.

In order to get the aging pool into city code compliance, he said the project would cost $1.2 million, not including the cost of addressing other issues that could arise. While the pool would be new, in essence, he said the pool shell and structure would remain more than 30 years old.

Rather than putting forth the money to fix the pool, Fortenberry said the department decided to replace it. She also said the existing pool sits on a floodplain and due to city codes, the new pool must be placed elsewhere.

In working with a neighborhood executive committee, formed by multiple homeowners' associations and nearby communities, the Plano Parks and Recreation Department has been communicating with the public regarding the redevelopment plans since May, Fortenberry said.

"This pool will be built with public input," Fortenberry said. "It's a good time to go in and freshen the park and make it new again."

The topic will go to Plano Parks and Recreation Planning Board on Aug. 5 to decide on the site of the new pool, she said. After a decision is made, the design process will begin and the city can develop a new master plan for the park.

Fortenberry said the bond funding available for the pool project is $7.5 million. The cost to take out the old pool and enhance that area of the park is estimated at $250,000–$750,000, she said.

While no proposals have been brought to City Council, Deines presented the option of a family aquatics center for the park. He said modern outdoor pools now focus on families and accommodate diverse user groups. Facilities include areas for families, toddlers, fitness and competition.

"It's going to become a family aquatics center where multiple generations can come and everybody can have an experience there," he said.

Fortenberry said citizens can provide feedback by contacting j[email protected].