Resident urges more weekend access to Pearland natatorium; staff to follow up on contract limits

Shannon Weigel, a 28-year Pearland resident and former educator, told the council she relies on the natatorium for post-surgery and chronic-health maintenance and asked the city to examine weekend access around event closures.

Weigel said the city’s existing contract allows up to 73 days per year for full closure events and noted that 73 out of 104 weekend days equates to roughly 70% of weekends. She said the schedule disproportionately reduces access for seniors, residents with disabilities, and people managing weight or medical conditions and asked the city to consider allowing pool access before or after weekend events.

City staff took Weigel’s comments and said they heard her concerns and would follow up with contact information. The city did not take immediate policy action at the meeting; staff indicated they would review schedules and respond to the commenter.

Why it matters: For residents who use the natatorium for rehabilitation, chronic-condition management and low-impact exercise, extended weekend closures limit options during times many residents are available to use city facilities. Weigel framed the issue as both a personal-health matter and an accessibility concern affecting seniors and residents with disabilities.

What the transcript records: Weigel identified herself and provided personal health context and population estimates (she cited figures including 10,000 handicapped individuals and 15,000 senior citizens in Pearland). Staff acknowledged the comment and committed to follow up; no vote or immediate operational change was recorded.