The Los Alamos County Council unanimously approved a contract with Leisure Pools Inc. for the aquatic center pool resurfacing and restoration project and established a $2 million project budget.

The services agreement award caps at $1,404,762.43 plus applicable gross receipts tax; Council established a $2,000,000 project budget to cover the contract, construction administration, contingency and alternatives for displaced users.

Project scope and schedule: Project manager Manuel Martinez told council the competition and therapy pools will be closed during construction but the leisure lagoon will remain open. Staff and the contractor proposed March through October 2026 for construction to minimize impacts on swim teams and to allow use of alternative pools during summer months. Martinez said the existing plaster and finishes have exceeded their expected 25‑year service life and that repairs include plaster replacement, replacement of grates and inlets, starting blocks, deck tile and therapy pool handrails.

Budget details: Leisure Pools’ bid for core work was reported as $1,156,572; the county added construction administration, taxes, contingency and funding for rental of alternate pool access. Martinez said the larger $2,000,000 budget includes a 20% contingency and allowances for unexpected conditions and alternative pool arrangements.

Community impacts and mitigation: Staff said they have coordinated with Los Alamos High School coaches and club teams, discussed alternative pool locations in Santa Fe and local facilities, and plan public communications and a project news page.

Council action: Councilor Herman moved approval of services agreement AGR25‑922 and the $2,000,000 project budget; Councilor Hammond seconded. The motion passed on a roll call vote, 7–0.

Ending: Staff will schedule preconstruction activities and order long‑lead items to hold pricing; construction is expected to start as materials arrive for a March 2026 start and the pool to reopen in late 2026.