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Feasibility study recommends 50,000 sq ft aquatic center at Lewis Soccer Complex; staff to refine design and funding options
Summary
Consultants presented an 18‑month aquatic‑center feasibility study recommending a 50,000 sq ft indoor facility with indoor/outdoor components, identified Lewis Soccer Complex as a preferred site, and reported robust public engagement (staff summarized surveys totaling roughly 2,800–3,000 responses).
Fayetteville’s parks and recreation staff and consultants presented findings from an 18‑month aquatic‑center feasibility study that recommends a base project and outlines a path toward detailed design and funding.
Lee Farmer, recreation superintendent, introduced the study and turned the presentation over to Doug Whitaker of Water Technology, who described extensive public engagement and a market analysis indicating demand for both indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities. Whitaker said public input supported a year‑round indoor facility with lap lanes and a warm‑water lifestyle pool plus outdoor leisure amenities such as a lazy river and slides.
Whitaker and partners said they reviewed roughly 15 candidate sites and identified the Lewis Soccer Complex as a top option based on topography, access, parking, and future expandability. The base program described by the team would include a roughly 50,000‑square‑foot indoor building containing a 25‑yard by 25‑meter competition pool and a warm lifestyle pool, and an outdoor leisure component of about 12,000 square feet including decks and circulation space.
Lee Farmer noted strong public participation: “The initial survey we did had over 1,500 responses, and then the most recent one we did had about 1,300, so close to 3,000 survey responses,” which informed program priorities. Consultants presented two scaled options: a base model focused on core aquatic functions and a more comprehensive model adding revenue‑generating spaces such as gyms or courts to improve long‑term operational sustainability.
Budgetary figures presented were conceptual but staff advised the council that the base program is most likely to fit within the financing scenarios discussed at prior bond‑planning conversations; a comprehensive build‑out would require additional funding steps. Consultants emphasized conservative pro forma assumptions and the importance of partnerships (schools, community groups) to support programming and cost recovery.
Next steps: staff recommended moving toward schematic design and increased cost estimation, continuing site analysis at Lewis Soccer Complex and coordinating funding discussions tied to future bond or capital strategies.
