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Project estimate $73.5M; Phil Aquatics says $500,000 raised toward Lionville natatorium
Summary
An aquatics consultant estimated the proposed natatorium at roughly $73.5 million and Phil Aquatics’ president said the group has raised about $500,000 for due diligence — the project remains contingent on a broader sewer-expansion plan and further fundraising.
An aquatics consultant testifying at the Uwchlan Township hearing on July 27 said comprehensive aquatic centers of this type are typically sited near residential neighborhoods and schools and that the proposed location at the edge of the Rockwell site would minimize impact on nearby homes.
"We are looking at approximately, $73,500,000," said the consultant, describing the figure as a rough order-of-magnitude estimate that includes contingency and inflation. Phil Aquatics president Mike Morgan told the board the organization has so far raised about $500,000 for due-diligence work and has not yet launched a capital campaign. "Our initial fundraising ... we've raised roughly about $500,000," Morgan said.
The applicant’s representatives said the capital campaign and other private giving, foundation grants and potential government funding — including a possible $5,000,000 RAC fee allocation the Commonwealth designated for an aquatic center in Chester County — would be combined to reach the total needed. Board members pressed for more specifics about funding sources, and the applicant said they have retained a fundraising consultant and have delayed a capital campaign until the project receives greater certainty.
Because the natatorium is planned as part of a larger residential PRD, the project’s schedule and eventual construction remain tied to off-site infrastructure and permitting: the applicant acknowledged the facility would be built only after sewer and other utilities can be delivered to the parcel. The board requested more detailed financial and operating information before approving tentative plan elements tied to the facility.
The hearing recessed with the board requesting additional materials, and the applicant agreed to return with more detailed fundraising plans and a refined cost breakdown at a future session.
