A regional swim center costing up to $74 million could draw regional and national meets and provide more swimming options for people of all abilities, according to a study presented to county officials Tuesday.
A consultant hired by the Greater Waco Sports Commission presented McLennan County commissioners with several possible design options to meet the area’s growing demand for swimming facilities.
“We would see any of these facilities being really a 50-plus year solution for the region,” said George Deines, project director with consulting firm Counsilman-Hunsaker. “So while it is an investment on the capital in the front end, it’s definitely a longstanding facility.”
Project advocates said local governments could be part of a partnership to make it a reality but did not make a specific request of the county. Commissioners voted to accept the report, which cost $40,000 and took six months.
Deines said Counsilman-Hunsaker looked at several models and facility options, all with multiple pools including a 50-meter Olympic pool. Higher-end options include a competition pool with seating for 750-1,000 spectators, as well as diving facilities and a recreational pool with a water slide.
Cost estimates were presented as follows:
- A 50-meter Olympic pool, a smaller four-lane pool and a therapy pool: $59 million.
- Those options plus a dive pool: $74.7 million.
- An Olympic pool, four-lane pool and therapy pool: $71.5 million.
Deines said a diving pool could attract major events.
“This helps to support not only local diving programs, but again, put the facility on par with some of the other facilities around the state and around the country that are hosting large events that can drive economic impact here to the Waco region,” Deines said.
One scaled-down option under study would include an indoor therapy pool and outdoor competition pool, similar to facilities in the San Antonio and Austin areas.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Jim Smith said an outdoor pool option could be limiting.
“That this ever comes to fruition – which is a great idea – it seems like you really limit yourself when you go with your competitive pool outside instead of being indoors,” Smith said. “I don’t know too many people who want to swim (in) 60-degree weather outside.”
Another option considered was an indoor pool with roll-up garage doors, which would be adequate for regional but not national competitions, Deines said.
The annual operational cost for the aquatic center would be between $2.4 million to $2.6 million, but 65% to 75% of annual expenses could be recouped through revenue generation, the study concludes.
The Greater Waco Sports Commission is considering partnering with a local district that could provide a site for the facility and operate it, Executive Director Mike Vogelaar said. He declined to name that district.
Waco ISD is not planning a partnership or developing a swim team at this time, since it is focused on implementing its strategic plan, Superintendent Tiffany Spicer said.
“By staying committed to these goals, we ensure the best possible outcomes for our district,” Waco ISD Superintendent Tiffany Spicer said Tuesday in a statement to The Waco Bridge. “We appreciate the community’s interest and will continue to evaluate new opportunities as we meet our primary strategic milestones.”
Midway ISD, which has swimming and water polo programs, has not participated in conversations about a partnership, a Midway ISD spokesperson said.
Swimming facilities in other areas have partnered with various organizations including cities, counties, schools and YMCAs, Deines said.
“Just with the cost that aquatic facilities have – you want to have as much use as possible,” he said. “And so that’s where having multiple organizations come in to partner is a good model to explore.”
The study estimates the aquatic center could bring in $8.6 million in annual economic impact to the Waco area.
Through hosting regional and national meets, the facility can bring in anywhere from 500 to 900 swimmers who would stay at local hotels, officials with the study said. Commissioners and McLennan County Judge Scott Felton showed enthusiasm for the tourism impact of the project.
“The good thing (is) something like this benefits us too, through the hotel tax,” Felton said at Tuesday’s meeting.
“You’re putting more heads in beds, if you have a championship-style facility,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Jones said during the meeting.
Most competitive swimming in the area occurs at the Greater Waco YMCA, 6800 Harvey Drive.
Deines remembers coming to Waco more than a quarter century ago for a swim meet as a coach.
“They packed hundreds upon hundreds of people in the YMCA for the state swim in 1999 and it was – I still remember – it was really crowded,” Deines said. “And so being able to have a facility that could support larger competitions, but then also provide the community the necessary space just for fitness, recreation and instruction, we feel is critical.”
