Board approves partnership to pursue US Olympic trials pool; project cost and fundraising plan reviewed

Dr. Bidding, assistant superintendent for operations, presented details of a proposed natatorium project and recommended the district formally partner with the Fort Wayne Swim and Wellness Alliance to bring a US Olympic Trials–caliber competition pool to a Northwest Allen County Schools site.

The facility concept described is roughly a 92,000-square-foot building with two pools — a 50-meter competition pool capable of being configured for multiple lanes, and a warm-water instructional pool with eight to 10 lanes — plus expanded diving capability, larger locker rooms and multipurpose space. The presenters said the new building would be about 300% larger than the district’s current natatorium.

Dr. Bidding and Mr. Basham reviewed an independent conservative pro forma prepared with Isaac Sports Group that shows current district pool operations cost about $500,000 a year for repairs, staffing and supplies. The pro forma the presenters shared modeled a first-year increase in spending (including start-up and a $500,000 operating cushion), with operating results improving by year three under a conservative scenario. Presenters emphasized the pro forma was intentionally conservative and that community partnerships and additional programming could substantially improve revenues.

Project capital totals discussed included a $54,000,000 overall project estimate. The district’s standalone cost if it built a comparably sized new pool was described at about $38,000,000. The Fort Wayne Swim and Wellness Alliance reported it hoped to secure $6,000,000 in grant funding and to raise an additional $10,000,000 in private funds; presenters stated the Alliance already had $1,400,000 committed and showed a remaining gap of about $8,600,000 to be raised by private donors and additional grants.

Trustees discussed possible community partners; staff reported preliminary conversations with Parkview Regional Medical Center about a partnership that could improve the facility’s economic viability. After discussion the board voted to formally partner with the Fort Wayne Swim and Wellness Alliance in support of the fundraising and grant applications. The motion was made by Mr. Vogt, seconded by Ms. Schlatter, and approved by voice vote.

Presenters said a formal partnership would help the Alliance in grant applications and fundraising and stressed many project details — allocation of operating responsibilities, final capital split, and specific site and partner agreements — would require future negotiation before any construction contract or capital commitment by the district.