New recreation center due late 2025; Elko council tentatively plans pool closure, swim teams urge extended access

The Elko City Council heard an update on May 13 from Rusty Barr of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Nevada on the new Nevada Gold Mines Recreation Center and discussed timing for closure of the city pool when the center opens.

Barr said all foundation pads are poured and steel erection was due to begin within days; building panels had been delivered and he estimated the Boys & Girls Clubs would take over aquatics programming the first Monday in January (staff and permitting delays mean the opening likely will be in late 2025). “We wanted to open in that September, October date… it looks like we’re gonna be done at the end of this year,” he told council.

Erin Paris, head coach for the Elko swim team, asked the council to delay closing the city pool as long as possible, saying the team trains year‑round and that losing access could harm athletes — including an advanced 15‑year‑old with national‑level prospects. “We please keep it open for our team … that some of them this is their sport,” Paris said.

Council and staff discussed options to avoid a gap in access for competitive swimmers; staff said they would coordinate a closure plan and bring back details at a future meeting or the first meeting in June. In the budget discussion that followed, staff recommended tentatively planning for a December 31 pool closure and anticipated the city would transfer programs to the new facility after the Boys & Girls Clubs assume aquatics operations in early January.

Council instructed staff to develop a coordinated closure and transition plan that would seek to minimize disruption to youth athletes and to provide details on staffing, swim‑team agreements and potential short‑term swim access options prior to finalizing the FY2026 budget.