City and Plano ISD officials are discussing options to keep the Plano Aquatic Center running after resident support for the facility at a City Council meeting Oct. 26.
The Plano Aquatic Center's 50-year lease is currently slated to expire in August 2027.
The details
City of Plano officials are considering a lease option with PISD for residents to continue to use the Plano Aquatic Center after the city's lease expires next year.
"The intention is to turn the facility over to PISD as originally planned, but to engage with them to see what we can do about keeping the water aerobics class at the Plano Aquatic Center and see what we can do to enter into a lease so that long-term we can keep the program in place, intact," City Manager Mark Israelson said.
Director of Parks and Recreation Ron Smith provided a presentation about the city's current plans at the Oct. 26 meeting. Smith said the center currently costs the city nearly $1.4 million to run, while revenue is at $157,017.
"We would need revenue equalling $572,162 to bring the facility up to the cost recovery expectation of 41%," Smith said.
"Some of the concern is that we're comparing cost recovery of a pool only against the cost recovery of a facility that generates a lot more usage and has a lot more to offer, which makes those facilities financially more sustainable," Smith said.
What they are saying
Residents said the Plano Aquatic Center provides a unique environment from other pools in the city.
"[The Plano Aquatic Center] is the only pool in the district that has a ramp access to the deep end. So people who struggle walking can participate in deep water aerobics and can use the entire pool," Plano resident Kris Stephenson said.
City officials thanked residents prior to speakers approaching the podium for reaching out in support of the aquatic center.
"[The citizens] did a good job and that communication was received and processed," Place 5 council member Steve Lavine said.
Looking ahead
Smith said the city currently has plans to transition the following programs at the center:
