Board and staff held an extended strategic discussion about the district's outdoor pool and the proposed indoor aquatic center.

Staff presented a preliminary repair estimate for the existing outdoor pool of about $589,354, with multiple caveats and several "unknowns" until crews begin excavation. Line items relayed by staff included an estimated $325,000 for a new liner, $150,000 for a main drain line and balance tank replacement, about $52,000 for pumps to meet design flow, an estimated $45,000 heater replacement, approximately $10,354 for filter media and roughly $7,000 for a new chemical controller and acid tank. Staff emphasized these are estimates and that further investigation is required.

Directors raised operational concerns: an indoor aquatic center would require year‑round staffing and historically indoor pools in the state do not run at a net positive operational surplus, staff said. Several board members suggested repurposing the outdoor pool site (for example, a splash pad and picnic area) if the district decides not to invest in major repairs; others noted the outdoor facility draws community interest and that leaving a visible vacant facility could cause reputational problems.

Staff also updated the board that geotechnical/soil boring work for the new aquatic center is scheduled and that the contractor has penciled in equipment for October 3 to collect samples at proposed sites; staff said the proposal previously estimated November for results but that the October field date could bring samples and results forward — staff said they will confirm turnaround times. Board members asked staff to press the geotechnical contractor for the quickest feasible laboratory turnaround and to report back on whether expedited shipping or alternative labs could shorten the schedule.

Why it matters: the board must weigh capital repair costs of the outdoor pool, long‑term operating costs of any new indoor facility, staffing challenges and how site selection and construction schedules affect ballot timing and district finances. Directors discussed whether to repurpose the outdoor site (splash pad, picnic space) if a new indoor facility proceeds.

Next steps: staff to confirm geotechnical sampling dates and lab turnaround times and include soil‑boring results when available; staff said they will add aquatic‑center options and cost details to the Monday packet for potential direction.