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Council moves recreation-center planning toward possible 2027 bond after mixed feedback
Summary
After a lengthy workshop with consultants, steering‑committee recommendations and public comment, the council directed staff to refine program and site options and prepare materials that could be used for a potential 2027 general‑obligation bond, with many members asking for more community outreach and clearer cost/tax‑impact estimates.
The City Council on May 18 heard the steering committee and consultant findings from a multi‑phase feasibility study for a proposed recreation center and gave staff direction to continue preparing the project for possible voter consideration in 2027.
Parks staff summarized a needs assessment and space program developed in partnership with Brinkley Sargent Wiginton. The steering committee recommended a program that includes aquatics (both leisure and competition components) and ranked potential sites: Post Oak Mall (Macy's site) as first choice, Midtown Business Park second and the Victoria/William D. Fitch area third. Option three — the most comprehensive program — was presented as roughly 97,000 square feet with an estimated 2028 capital cost of about $91 million and operating cost around $3.8 million a year; the pro forma used membership and fee assumptions to model near‑term and mature operating scenarios (debt service excluded from the operating recovery calculations).
Public commentary was mixed. Former parks consultant John Crompton urged caution, arguing there is ample lap‑swim capacity in the community and that a new interior leisure complex could cannibalize and financially challenge existing outdoor pools. Other speakers and several council members highlighted community benefits, partnership possibilities (YMCA, school district or other funders) and the value of a conveniently located facility.
After extensive council debate, members agreed the idea should go to voters if the council and the bond committee can firm up program, site, partnership options and tax‑impact language. Several councilors requested additional analysis (partnerships, demand validation, targeted community outreach) and recommended that staff return with refined options and estimated ballot language and tax impacts for a potential 2027 general obligation bond.
