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Board approves $493,409 purchase of shade structures for county aquatic center; one commissioner opposes
Summary
Henry County commissioners authorized spending SPLOST 5 funds to buy and install entrance and poolside shade structures at the new aquatic waterpark. The vote passed with Commissioner Wilson recorded as opposed; staff said structures will improve safety and generate rental revenue.
The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a $493,409.23 purchase of shade structures for the county’s new outdoor aquatic waterpark using SPLOST 5 project funds.
County recreation staff said the package from Playworks (sourced through a Sourcewell contract) covers nine entrance shade structures and 18 poolside shade structures, plus survey, delivery and installation. Staff described the entrance canopies as a public‑safety measure to shelter patrons waiting in security lines from summer heat and said poolside structures will be available for rental to generate recurring revenue.
Lynn, the presenter on the aquatic item, told commissioners the structures were not fully included in the original design but were added after staff and consultants reviewed revenue and safety practices at comparable facilities. "The entrance shade structures will provide shelter from the summer heat for patrons," she said, and staff presented rental revenue examples from a comparable facility to the board.
Commissioner Brian Wilson asked whether the entrances had been omitted from the original design and raised safety and return‑on‑investment questions. Recreation staff responded that the entrance canopies reduce heat exposure for patrons waiting in line and that the rental structures should produce continuous season revenue.
Commissioner Kevin Lewis moved to approve the purchase; Commissioner Anglin seconded. When commissioners voted, Commissioner Wilson registered opposition and the motion carried.
Staff said SPLOST 5 funds are available in the aquatic center project account and that the structures will be incorporated into operations and rental schedules once installed.
