Potential Project #2: Aquatics Complex Renovation at the Rec Center
Two options
HEADS UP! I have an updated report on this project with more details.
In my report “Potential $ ballot question for 2025,” I told you there might be a ballot question this year asking voters for a tax increase to fund the improvement and redesign of two current city facilities and to build a new civic center. The city plans to provide information about the projects and conduct a poll to gauge resident support. Info about three upcoming city meetings can be found at the bottom of this report.
Possible project number one is the redesign and expansion of the city’s Parks and Public Works Service Center.
Possible project number two has two options for the aquatic area at the Bob Burger Recreation Center (BBRC).
The rec center, including the Rose Lueras Pool, was built in 1990. Over the last few years, the pool has had various problems, resulting in extended closures. See the city’s photograph above! If you want to dig in on all the problems, I told you about them in August 2024. Leaks resulting in significant water loss, and equipment failure led to repairs, but the complex needs help. The slide is no longer usable, and the replacement cost is $500,000.
Staff hired a design team to assess the issues and suggest improvements. Two options are now under consideration.
OPTION A
From a January 28, 2025, staff memo:
“ ‘Option A’ would replace, redesign, and expand the entire aquatics area of BBRC, providing a new configuration for users that is safer for all users, a larger slide, a warm water pool allowing the potential for therapeutic aquatics, an indoor whirlpool, and a larger lap pool. While both options would renovate existing office space and the locker rooms, “Option A” would also expand the non-aquatic fitness space to allow for additional community programming. The cost estimate for “Option A” in 2024 at the time of design was approximately $29.2 million.”
In a February 25, 2025, staff memo, it says, “The preliminary cost estimates are $34 million for the Bob Burger Recreation Center ‘Option A’ renovation.”
OPTION B
“ ‘Option B’ would maintain the current configuration, with some slight modifications to the kiddie pool and whirlpool. As with “Option A”, the entire aquatics center infrastructure (including the ceiling, flooring, and mechanical equipment) would be replaced and modernized. The cost estimate for “Option B” in 2024 at the time of design was approximately $17.7 million.”
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS
Live streaming will be available at lafayetteco.gov/StreamingVideo or on the City’s YouTube Channel.
Wednesday, April 2: This session will focus on Quality Service Delivery
6-7pm
City Hall | 1290 S. Public Road
Wednesday, April 30: This session will focus on Fiscal Responsibility
6-7pm
City Hall | 1290 S. Public Road
Thursday, May 15: This session will focus on Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
6-7pm
City Hall | 1290 S. Public Road
Want to offer more support? Awesome!