Design team presents plan and budget estimate for new Hurricane aquatic center; financing still incomplete

City staff and the design team presented detailed renderings and programing for a proposed indoor aquatic center that would include an eight‑lane competition pool, an activity pool with a lazy river and slide, elevated spectator seating, and support spaces. The building footprint was described as roughly 24,000–25,000 square feet with approximately 8,000 square feet of surface water area across the pools and activity areas.

Design consultants explained the competition pool layout, spectator seating, locker rooms, mechanical and storage areas, and operable overhead doors to create an indoor–outdoor feel in warm months. The team emphasized accessibility and year‑round operation.

On budget, a project spokesperson cited a working estimate of about $480 per square foot, equating to approximately $12,000,000 for the building as currently conceived. The planned finance approach includes committing WRAP tax receipts to bond repayments for the next decade, about $2.8M already saved, and an anticipated $2.5M in impact fees over the coming year; the project team said they still face a multi‑million dollar funding gap and will pursue county, school district and bond financing options to make up the remainder.

Council discussion focused on demolition and retaining costs that are not fully budgeted yet, the need to confirm water‑use constraints with the water district, and possible phasing or scope adjustments if costs exceed available resources. The council asked staff to continue work on refined cost estimates and funding options for a future action.

Next steps: refine construction estimates, confirm water/demands with the water district, and pursue commitments from regional partners; staff anticipates returning with a financing plan before awarding construction contracts.