After long debate, Visalia council directs staff to study funding for 50-meter pool and large recreation pool

The Visalia City Council directed staff to pursue further feasibility and funding analysis for a municipal aquatics complex that would include a 50-meter competitive pool and a large recreation pool, after hearing detailed cost and program options from an industry consultant.

Dennis Berkshire of Aquatic Design Group outlined three facility options based on a 50-meter competitive pool combined with increasing amounts of recreation water. Berkshire said a full build with a substantial recreation component would likely require a 3'5-acre site (plus parking and support) and estimated construction costs in the range of $25 million to $33 million depending on recreation scope, site and shared parking opportunities. He also explained operating assumptions: recreation admissions, lessons and programs typically account for the largest shares of revenue while salaries and utilities are the primary expense drivers; projected annual operating subsidies were roughly $300,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the option and pricing assumptions.

Council members discussed phasing, funding sources (including sales-tax measures, sale of excess land, park impact fees, grants and private naming-rights partnerships) and site preferences. Several councilmembers favored city-owned sites such as East Side Regional Park or a 7-acre parcel near Mooney Boulevard for their size and potential shared parking; others emphasized the need to avoid saddling the city with a large operating subsidy without identified funding.

Public commenters representing swim, water polo and community groups urged the council to act, pointing to long waitlists and the absence of nearby 50-meter pools for hosting meets. One resident asked about corporate partnerships and night lighting, and another suggested solar canopies over parking to offset electricity costs.

In a split vote, the council approved a motion (3'2) to direct staff to return with detailed funding options for total and phased approaches, to assess named sites further, and to retain a consultant to explore the viability of placing a sales-tax measure on the November ballot. The motion passed 3-2. Staff said no city funding was currently allocated and emphasized that advancing the project will require explicit council direction and prioritization of capital resources.

Next steps: staff will develop funding scenarios (including bond/sales-tax options, grants and partnerships), complete site feasibility work and return with project timelines and a recommended path for phasing.