Payson council picks Malibu site for new aquatic center, authorizes $1.48M for design work

The Payson Common Council voted 4–3 on May 14 to select the Malibu site for a proposed new aquatic center ("Option 5") and to authorize up to $1,480,000 for construction documents (CDs) and preconstruction services to advance the project to permitting and contract‑ready plans.

Rod Buchanan, who presented the study to council, said the consultant team had evaluated five design/configuration options at the existing Taylor Pool/Rumsey Park site and the Malibu property. The options ranged from reopening and renovating the existing Taylor Pool to installing a new community design at Malibu that includes zero‑entry access and an expanded deck and support spaces. The consultant provided rough‑order‑of‑magnitude cost estimates, a parking assessment and a timeline: staff reported that a Malibu build could be completed faster because 30% design work already exists for that site, while a Rumsey/Taylor renovation would require additional subsurface and as‑built investigations.

Public comment was strongly split. Several longtime residents, swim instructors and parents urged the council to move quickly and favored the Malibu location as a new build that would expand year‑round and recreational programming; other residents and swim‑safety advocates urged restoration or renovation at the Rumsey/Taylor location to preserve proximity to schools and the town’s traditional community hub. Several speakers also pressed council to ensure a therapy pool/teaching pool be included in the final design. Council members asked for clarity on parking needs, sequencing, utilities and on whether a covered, climate‑controlled structure would be feasible later.

The motion approved by council authorizes the town manager to execute contracts and expenditures for construction documents and preconstruction services not to exceed $1,480,000 for the Malibu option. That package covers design, permits, project management, owner’s contingency and related planning costs for the design phase; council retained authority for any later construction authorizations. The motion passed 4–3.

Next steps: staff and consultants will prepare contract docs and a project schedule, continue stakeholder outreach and refine the cost estimates during the CD phase. If the council later decides to advance to construction, the town will return to council for funding approval or a bond measure, and staff said it would pursue naming rights, grant opportunities and targeted fundraising to supplement town funds.

Why this matters: The decision moves the town from exploratory study to funded design work. The $1.48 million authorization is for planning and design; construction funding is not yet approved. The vote sets the Malibu site as the lead candidate for design and permitting while preserving council control over final construction authorizations.