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Leon Valley wins $725,852 TPWD grant for Forest Oaks pool overhaul; construction may close pool
Summary
The city said a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department grant will reimburse 50% of a Concept B Forest Oaks pool renovation (roughly $1.4M); staff outlined a multi-year design and reimbursement timeline and warned construction will likely close the pool for part of the next season.
Leon Valley — The City of Leon Valley told the council on April 7 it has been awarded a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) grant of $725,852 to support major Forest Oaks pool improvements.
Public Works Director David Demaline said the grant is a 50% reimbursement match for what staff described as a Concept B renovation, with total estimated project costs a little over $1.4 million. The scope described to council includes keeping the main pool shell, replastering, new pool equipment, demolition of the baby pool, removal and replacement of sidewalks and pool decking to meet ADA standards, new restrooms and a mechanical building, a covered pavilion and shade canopies, perimeter fencing and a new ADA chair lift.
“The grant is a 50% reimbursement match; the amount is $725,852,” Demaline told council. He added that the mayor and staff have met with Texas Parks & Wildlife and the package is moving to federal review this spring with a federal agreement anticipated in July and a local grant issued in the fall; the grant period allows four years to complete the project after the agreement is executed.
Demaline also reviewed the 2026 swim season operations: Forest Oaks will open May 23 for daily hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with weekly closures on Wednesdays, resident season‑pass pricing unchanged ($40 adult, $30 child) and daily gate fees of $5. He said season pass revenue is “a little over $45,000” while pool operating expenses and contract repairs ran “a little over $123,000” this season. He noted that many municipal pools do not fully recover operating costs from fees and that the pool is a community quality‑of‑life amenity.
Council members asked whether the grant scope could be adjusted to preserve trees in the shade area and whether elements such as a diving board or slide might be added if budget allowed. Staff said the design phase allows modifications within the submitted scope but that major changes to the footprint or scope could jeopardize the grant; staff committed to bringing refined designs and cost estimates back to council and to public input opportunities before construction documents are finalized.
Construction timing: Demaline warned that construction could require the pool to be closed for the following season and that the city will submit reimbursement requests to TPWD through standard pay application and reimbursement processes throughout construction.
What happens next: City staff will proceed with engineering and design within the grant’s approved scope, return to council with design options and cost comparisons (including tree‑sensitive alternatives), and bring a construction contract to council for award once the federal and state agreements are finalized.
