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Smyrna to rebuild Tolleson Pool as expanded outdoor aquatics center; indoor pool option deferred
Summary
Council approved a larger outdoor rebuild of Tolleson Pool with separate competition and recreation pools, slides and amenities; the previously discussed indoor aquatics option was set aside after cost and operating estimates exceeded local fiscal capacity, though staff will study seasonal covering options (a 'bubble').
Smyrna officials said the city will rebuild Tolleson Pool as an expanded outdoor aquatics complex after demolition and geotechnical testing, while an indoor aquatics center proved cost-prohibitive.
The council described the new plan as a $16 million to $18 million project that will include a heated competition pool with dive wells and starting blocks, a separate recreation pool with a lazy river, a zero-entry children’s pool, a water slide, an 8,400-square-foot building for locker rooms and concessions, bleachers and expanded parking. Croix Engineering’s Greg Teague presented the footprint and told the council the competition and recreation elements will operate independently so an incident in one area would not shut down the whole complex.
Why it matters: the decision responds to safety concerns at the nearly 60-year-old Tolleson facility and to large public demand for varied aquatics amenities. At the same time, city staff and council said an indoor facility would have cost more than $40 million to build — estimates in the meeting ranged up to $50 million for a new indoor center — with recurring staffing and maintenance costs they estimated at $1 million to $2 million per year. Council members said that level of capital and operating expense would burden the city’s budget.
Timeline and site work: city staff said demolition of the old pool is complete, geotechnical testing finished and design work is underway; construction is expected to start later this year and the mayor estimated a target opening in May 2027, meaning two swim seasons will be missed. The design team said the competition pool will be heated and include spectator bleachers; the project also anticipates expanded parking and a versatile indoor rental space near the pools.
Public reaction: swimmers, coaches and parents — including representatives of the Smyrna Sharks year-round swim program — urged the council to reconsider an indoor facility. Chris Lash, a longtime local swim advocate, said his group was “shocked” by the decision and disappointed that prior discussions had not signaled a change. Several Smyrna Sharks athletes and parents described long drives outside the city for year-round training and urged the council to pursue any feasible way to provide year-round swimming.
Staff response and follow-up: Richard (parks and recreation director) told attendees that covering the new pools with a seasonal enclosure (a “bubble”) has been placed on the list of design considerations and that staff will study costs and feasibility. A public design review and additional input sessions were promised; staff will include bubble options and report back on cost and operational implications.
No formal council roll-call vote on a specific ordinance was recorded in the town-hall transcript; council described the direction to proceed with the expanded outdoor design and consultant-managed design work.
