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Lafayette proposes $34M overhaul of Bob Burger Recreation Center, including new aquatic features
Summary
City staff presented a conceptual plan to renovate and expand the Bob Burger Recreation Center, citing aging mechanical systems, a closed slide and accessibility limitations; preliminary cost estimate $34 million with an 18‑month construction window after design and public input.
City of Lafayette staff on Thursday outlined a concept to renovate and expand the Bob Burger Recreation Center, including reconfiguring the aquatic area, adding a therapeutic warm-water pool, a children’s zero‑entry play area, a lazy river and expanded fitness and community spaces.
The proposal grew out of a facilities assessment that flagged aging, inefficient mechanical systems and extensive piping and leakage problems in the aquatic center. Megan Davis, deputy city manager, said the pool infrastructure “has reached its end of life” and noted the facility required a six‑month closure last summer for emergency repairs. She said the project would also address accessibility shortcomings and add community space that the current facility lacks.
City staff described the concept as an expansion and renovation rather than a simple repair. Design would likely take about 12 months, staff said, with construction of roughly 18 months following design. The engineering work completed in 2023–24 included environmental, soils and structural checks tied to prior pool repairs; cost estimates have been escalated to 2026 dollars and remain preliminary.
A notable one‑time cost cited in the presentation: the large, unusable slide at the recreation center would require full replacement if the city decides to restore a slide; staff estimated replacement at about $500,000. Other programmatic changes under consideration include expanded fitness space, rooftop outdoor fitness, and co‑locating senior programming in a dedicated older‑adult space.
Members of the public raised questions about potential full facility closures during construction, fees for lower‑income users and how senior services might be incorporated. Melissa Heisel, community services director, said the city will perform a fee study to evaluate cost recovery and the effectiveness and distribution of reduced‑fee programs.
Staff emphasized the concept is preliminary and will be refined with community input. The recreation center plan is one of three capital projects the city is evaluating as part of a broader facilities effort that also includes a new civic center and service center renovations.
