The Edmond City Council voted 5-0 June 23 to award the construction contract and accept alternates for the Pelican Bay Aquatic Center renovation, a project the city says will extend the pool’s useful life by about 20–25 years.

Brad Rainey, Edmond’s parks and recreation director, told the council the architect and staff recommend awarding the base bid and four alternates to the low bidder. The base bid was about $6.9 million; with alternates for ADA access identified in the city’s transition plan, expanded parking, deck striping to improve walkability and new LED deck lighting, the total award is approximately $7,221,000. Funding is from the city’s 2017 capital improvement program (CIP) tax.

The renovation will leave the pool’s basic layout intact but replace the concrete deck and the gutter system, repair underlying plumbing, refresh cabanas and replace failing steps. Rainey said the project will install a Myrtha-style gutter system and a new resilient pool liner (a pool-within-a-pool system backed by a long-term warranty), and will replace pumps and many below-deck plumbing elements.

Rainey said the city replaced the filtration system in 2023 and will retain it; the renovation focuses on deck, shell and gutter failures that have produced recurring leaks and temporary repairs. He said staff used aquatic consultants including WTI and GH2 to evaluate subsurface conditions and prepare construction documents, and that four competitive bids were received.

The council and staff discussed parking additions — the approved alternates add roughly 22 spaces — and possible pedestrian routes that will be promoted while nearby facilities such as Kappinger/Caplinger open. Rainey said construction is planned to start no later than Labor Day and be complete in time for the 2026 swim season.

The project was reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board in 2024 and the CIP Advisory Board earlier in June; both bodies recommended the work. The council’s unanimous vote authorizes the city to execute the contract and proceed with the scope described.

The city says residents will be notified about schedule changes and parking adjustments during construction.