The Leon Valley City Council voted to authorize staff to apply for a Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife local park grant that staff said would cover 50% of a $1.6 million renovation for the Forest Oaks Community Pool.

Public Works Director Dave Demeline presented concept D as the preferred renovation option after recent engineering and condition inspections. He told the council the pool — originally built in 1965 and donated to the city in 2017 — needs extensive systems work including replastering, plumbing, filtration, electrical, HVAC and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades.

Demeline said the concept keeps the existing pool footprint while replacing mechanical systems, providing accessibility upgrades and adding shaded areas and a pavilion. He said the estimated total construction cost for concept D is $1,600,000. "which would cover 50% of the project cost," Demeline said of the grant opportunity.

Because the grant is a 50% matching program, the city would need to supply roughly $800,000 if the full project moved forward. Councilors discussed possible funding sources — general fund reserves, bonds or phased allocations — and staff said the city has budgeted $80,000 this year for a limited replastering if full renovation is not immediately funded.

Councilor Mersch moved, and Councilor Roscoe seconded, a resolution authorizing staff to apply for the state grant; the motion carried unanimously.

Staff noted timeline considerations: the grant decision process will take several months, and if the city is awarded funds there would be additional design and permitting steps. Staff also said the city may be able to adjust elements (relocate a pavilion or preserve mature trees) while refining the scope if the grant is awarded.

Ending: The council’s vote permits staff to submit the application. If the grant is awarded, council will return to decide matching sources and final design details.