Tracy council approves indoor-capable Aquatic Center concept, directs phase 2 design work

The Tracy City Council voted unanimously April 15 to approve a conceptual plan for a new city Aquatic Center and to authorize consultants to proceed with phase 2 (schematic design), including study of an indoor-capable natatorium and structural alternates. The motion, made by Mayor Dan Areola, directed staff and Group 4 Architecture to develop phased design options and to return with funding and value-engineering details.

The approved concept identifies a competition pool (50-meter long-course), a recreation/warm-up pool, spectator seating, a lifeguard and mechanical building, supporting party and training rooms, a toddler play area, water slides and a Lazy River as the elements that together make a “complete” aquatic center. Council also directed staff to analyze a cost-saving alternative that would allow the recreation pool to be used year-round with a temporary enclosure and to identify phasing that keeps the city’s near-term commitment within the Measure V funding envelope while enabling later add-ons.

Consultants presented three budget tracks during the meeting: a value-engineered ‘‘base’’ around $55 million, an expanded $65 million option, and a full build-out estimated at $85–98 million depending on enclosure choices. Staff said the $65 million option as presented did not include the full indoor enclosure; adding a permanent natatorium to that option increases capital cost by roughly $11.1 million. The council directed the team to move into schematic design with the indoor-capable layout as the design baseline while pursuing value engineering and alternates to keep an initial project within the council’s near-term spending target.

Consultants and staff emphasized the trade-offs. An enclosed indoor pool provides year‑round programming but increases capital cost and ongoing maintenance (humidity control, HVAC and related systems). A temporary or engineered fabric enclosure would reduce upfront cost but carries its own lifecycle costs, wind/structural constraints and shorter service life. Council members asked staff to return with a phasing plan that shows how the indoor capability or temporary enclosure could be delivered while preserving funding for other Measure V priorities.

The council also requested more detailed cost and revenue modeling for operating subsidies and fees. Consultant projections shown to the council estimated annual operating costs for a full facility in the $2.3–$3.2 million range in year 1 (rising later), with projected revenues covering roughly 20–30% of operating expenses under the fee assumptions presented. Staff will refine operating and capital estimates during schematic design and present phasing and potential external funding options, similar to the approach taken for other recent city capital projects.

Council members and the public stressed urgency: the project has been discussed for decades and residents urged the city to move from concept to construction planning. The council majority said they wanted a complete aquatic center planned and phased responsibly; the motion authorizes design work but does not appropriate construction funds beyond existing Measure V commitments.

The city will return to council with schematic drawings, refined cost estimates, a set of alternates (including a structured or fabric enclosure option), and a recommended phasing and funding plan for consideration in the FY2025‑26 budget and Capital Improvement Program.