Consultants present feasibility study for Greater Waco aquatic learning center; court records report
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Summary
Consultants told McLennan County commissioners a $40,000 feasibility study finds demand for multiple aquatics facility options, with capital costs ranging roughly $30—60$70 million and operating deficits likely even with a 60—65% cost-recovery projection.
Mike Vogel, executive director of the Greater Waco Sports Commission, and consultant George Dynas presented a feasibility study on Jan. 20 that examined options for an aquatic learning center to serve the Waco region.
The study, paid for by the Sports Commission, surveyed the McLennan County market and modeled five facility types. "This is a $40,000 feasibility study," Vogel said, describing the commissions effort to identify community and competitive aquatics needs. Dynas said the countys population base of roughly 270,000 people supports consideration of larger competitive and community pools.
The report examined facility sizes ranging from roughly 30,000 to 80,000 square feet and priced options from the mid-$30 millions for scaled-down facilities to $50 million—60$70 million for the largest designs. "We would see any of these facilities being really a 50-plus-year solution for the region," Dynas said. Operating costs were estimated in the $2.2 million to $2.6 million range annually, with an expected direct operational cost-recovery rate of about 60—65 percent. Dynas and staff emphasized that cost recovery refers to operating revenue (admissions, memberships, rentals) and does not include debt-service costs on construction borrowings.
The study projected hosting about 16 to 22 events annually, including local, regional and some national-level competitions; on the high end, a national event could generate substantial out-of-market visitation. Dynas estimated "close to 70,000 out-of-market visitors" and annual economic impact in the $7.5 million to $10 million range depending on the number and scale of events.
Commissioners asked how the facilitys ownership and operational model would affect revenues and taxes. Staff noted options studied included school-district ownership, city partnerships, public-private models and nonprofit operation; siting inside Waco city limits could yield hotel tax benefits for downtown hotels, while a county location would capture less sales tax. The court asked staff to provide a more detailed operational and capital-financing breakdown before any decision on funding or bonds.
After questions, a commissioner moved to "approve the report for recording purposes" so the findings would be entered into the county record; the motion passed unanimously.
The court indicated next steps would include reviewing the study's detailed financial appendices and discussing potential funding pathways and site options at a future meeting.