DeSoto officials give construction update on McAllen Park aquatics and recreation center; project listed at $55 million

DeSoto officials told the City Council on March 17 that the McAllen Park Aquatics and Recreation Center remains under construction with officials planning for substantial completion in December and planning additional project milestones into March 2026.

The project matters to the city because city leaders and staff expect the mixed wet/dry recreation center to be a regional draw, to support tournaments and job creation, and to generate ongoing economic activity tied to hotels and local businesses. Parks Director Chris Glover said the facility is “uniquely DeSoto” and will include an Olympic-size pool, a recreation pool, a gymnasium with an upstairs track and fitness area, multipurpose rooms, and a terrace that connects to the park’s trails.

Glover said the project design separates a “dry side” with gymnasium, track and fitness spaces from a “wet side” with an Olympic pool and…