Residents, nonprofits urge Assembly not to close MeriSci pool as budget hearing continues

Dozens of Fairbanks residents pleaded with the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly on May 8 to keep the Mary Siah (MeriSci) Recreation Center open and to preserve the Carlson Center and Joy Community Center as the Assembly considers cuts in the borough’s proposed fiscal 2025–26 budget.

The appeals came during a public hearing on the mayor’s proposed budget, ordinance 2025-20, which the Assembly will return to on May 8 for final action. Many speakers said MeriSci’s warm water, hot tub, sauna and accessible changing areas provide therapeutic and social services not available elsewhere in the borough.

Why it matters: Testimony described MeriSci as a low-cost health and social hub for older residents, people with mobility or sensory needs, and families with young children; speakers said the university and larger pools do not substitute because of temperature, access or scheduling limits. Dozens of private-event organizers and sports groups also warned that losing the Carlson Center would cut local event capacity and economic activity.

Speakers who addressed the Assembly included Courtney Shannon, co-owner of Kayo Productions; Marissa Sharrrah, associate athletic director at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF); Mark Olmixon, chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission and director of Nanook Recreation; Thad Keener, executive director of the Nordic Ski Club; and several longtime MeriSci patrons and program leaders. Their testimony combined personal experience, program data and community observations.

Courtney Shannon, who organizes trade shows at the Carlson Center, told the Assembly those events support a network of businesses. “Those 4 events make more than $10,000,000,” she said at the hearing, adding that including other shows would raise the figure. Marissa Sharrrah said the Carlson Center supports Division I hockey and community partnerships: “The Carlson Center is more than just an arena. It’s a cornerstone of Fairbanks, in our cultural and economic landscape.”

Residents who use MeriSci described it as uniquely suited to therapeutic and adaptive programming. Mary Shields, who called in from home, said she depends on the warm water and social connections: “Swimming is the only exercise I can do now,” she said. Deborah Ryan, who testified remotely, described MeriSci as “much more than a pool” and said its warm water and accessible layout are critical for disabled and elderly users. Multiple speakers said other borough facilities lack private showers, appropriate water temperature or reliable public hours.

Parks staff and the borough administration have described a modest operating deficit at MeriSci but told speakers the budget discussions remain in process. Speakers urged alternatives to closure, including phased or temporary measures, increased community fundraising and partnerships with nonprofit and private groups to preserve services. Several speakers offered to help organize fundraising or shared-use arrangements.

Assembly members asked limited questions during the public hearing; none made decisions that night. The Assembly’s clerks and administration told members they will accept proposed budget amendments and highlighted a Wednesday, May 7 deadline for draft amendments to be circulated to the full Assembly in advance of the May 8 session.

Ending: The Assembly recessed the hearing and will reconvene to consider amendments and make final budget decisions at a scheduled meeting. For MeriSci and the other facilities discussed, advocates asked the Assembly to delay closure decisions until a replacement plan or funding path can be identified.