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Deming council reviews $5.77 million, four‑phase plan to renovate Sam Baca Aquatic Center; Phase 1 to reopen pools by summer 2026
Summary
City staff presented a four‑phase renovation plan for the Sam Baca Aquatic Center totaling $5,774,801.11. Councilors pressed staff on enclosure design, user demographics and potential outside funding; Phase 1 repairs would cost about $953,351.62 and are intended to reopen the facility for summer 2026.
Felipe Figueroa presented a four‑phase renovation plan for the Sam Baca Aquatic Center that would cost a total of $5,774,801.11 and, if funded, would begin with Phase 1 work to allow the pool to operate in summer 2026.
Phase 1, described by Figueroa, includes a complete rebuild of the pump room ($924,399.18) and renovations to the men’s and women’s locker rooms ($28,952.44) for a Phase 1 total of $953,351.62. Phase 2 would replace faucets and finish locker room remodels ($185,671.94); Phase 3 would remodel the pool deck and slide ($416,995.23); and Phase 4 would enclose the facility ($4,113,708.49).
Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Westenhofer asked what form the enclosure would take. Project Manager Jeremy Gervais replied via phone that proposed options include a steel structure with wood framing to resist moisture and lengthen the structure’s life, but that the final design had not yet been selected. "The structure would be a steel structure with a wood frame to last longer due to the moisture," Gervais said.
Westenhofer also asked for attendance breakdowns by seniors, children and adults; Figueroa did not have those figures at the meeting and said he would obtain them from Aquatics Manager Karen Reed. Councilor Milo, who said he served on the original planning committee, urged the council to prioritize repairs that would reopen the pool rather than immediately pursuing an enclosure, noting the Southwest climate allows extended seasonal use.
City Manager Aaron Sera confirmed money for Phase 1 is included in the budget and said approval of the budget would enable staff to proceed with the Phase 1 repairs. No formal vote was required on the presentation; council discussion focused on financing priorities and next steps for design and community outreach.
If the council and staff proceed on the proposed timeline, staff told the council Phase 1 work is intended to be completed before summer 2026 so the pools can reopen to the public.
