City seeks state grant to fund half of Forest Oaks pool renovation

The Leon Valley City Council on Aug. 5 authorized staff to apply for a Texas Parks & Wildlife local park grant that would fund up to 50% of a proposed $1.6 million renovation of the Forest Oaks Community Pool.

Assistant Public Works Director David Demeline presented Concept D — a renovation that preserves the existing pool footprint but replaces mechanical systems, replasters the pool, upgrades electrical and HVAC, brings the facility into ADA compliance, adds shade structures and a pavilion and creates a new lifeguard/office and pump room. Demeline said nearly all systems date to the pool’s 1965 construction and need replacement.

The grant requires a council resolution to apply; council voted unanimously to authorize the application. Demeline said the pool replastering alone is estimated at about $75,000–$80,000 and is already in the current budget as a near‑term maintenance item. The proposed full renovation would cost about $1.6 million; a 50% grant would require the city to identify about $800,000 in matching funds. Councilors discussed possible funding sources including bonding or drawing from reserves and asked staff about timing: grant decisions typically come months after application and awarded projects may have multi‑year implementation windows.

Councilors asked whether the concept included a dedicated children’s shallow pool or water‑play feature; staff noted Concept D was chosen for cost effectiveness and that adjustments — including relocating a pavilion to avoid mature trees — could be made during design. Councilors also discussed whether to stagger work so the pool remains operable while repairs occur and whether the city should commit a portion of reserves incrementally rather than a single large match.

Ending: Council’s vote authorizes staff to file the grant application; staff will return with grant materials if the application advances and will report options to assemble the local match if the city is offered funding.