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The city wants to add a new aquatic center at North Domingo Baca Park. The long-awaited project has been a goal for nearly 20 years.
“And so that is meant to be a signal of what’s to come but also give especially elementary and even little kids who can’t even get in the water somewhere to cool off in this area of town during the summer,” said Mayor Tim Keller.
Plans for a new splash pad near the park’s playground are also included in the layout with construction beginning next month. In addition, improvements to the existing dog park and east parking lot should be complete before the end of 2021. Two vault toilets and improved bocce courts were also added to the park earlier this year.
There are four renderings for the future aquatic center ranging from $12 to 13 million that will include different pool layouts. The city is working to secure funding for the new aquatic center and says it already has about $7 million. They said depending on how things go, construction could begin as soon as 2023.
“The can was kicked down the road by previous City leaders for far too long on this project,” said Keller. “Our aquatic facilities play a crucial role in keeping kids safe and engaged year-round. Thousands of families discover a love of swimming and learn important social and athletic skills at these facilities each year.”