Plano City Council members and Plano Independent School District (PISD) officials gathered on Oct. 26 to consider how the city can keep the Plano Aquatic Center open after the current 50‑year lease expires in August 2027. Residents voiced strong support for the facility, highlighting its unique ramp‑access design that enables individuals with mobility challenges to participate in deep‑water aerobics.
Financial picture
Director of Parks and Recreation Ron Smith presented the center’s budget numbers. Operating costs total roughly $1.4 million annually, while revenue for the most recent year was $157,017. To meet the city’s cost‑recovery target of 41 percent, the center would need to generate $572,162 in revenue.
Smith explained that the shortfall stems in part from comparing the pool’s cost recovery to that of larger, multi‑use facilities that attract higher attendance and generate more ancillary income. “Some of the concern is that we’re comparing cost recovery of a pool only against the cost recovery of a facility that generates a lot more usage and has a lot more to offer, which makes those facilities financially more sustainable,” he said.
Proposed lease arrangement
City Manager Mark Israelson outlined the administration’s preferred path forward. “The intention is to turn the facility over to PISD as originally planned, but to engage with them to see what we can do about keeping the water aerobics class at the Plano Aquatic Center and see what we can do to enter into a lease so that long‑term we can keep the program in place, intact,” Israelson said.
The proposed lease would allow PISD to assume operational responsibility while the city continues to support programming that serves families and seniors. By partnering with the school district, the city hopes to improve revenue streams, potentially through school‑based memberships, after‑school programs, and expanded community use.
Community response
Residents praised the center’s accessibility. “[The Plano Aquatic Center] is the only pool in the district that has a ramp access to the deep end. So people who struggle walking can participate in deep water aerobics and can use the entire pool,” said local resident Kris Stephenson.
Council member Steve Lavine, representing Place 5, thanked the public for their input. “[The citizens] did a good job and that communication was received and processed,” he remarked.
Next steps
Smith indicated that the city is preparing to transition several programs currently housed at the center, though details of those transitions were not disclosed at the meeting. The council will continue to evaluate the lease proposal and consider additional revenue‑generation ideas, such as hosting swim meets, offering private lessons, and expanding membership tiers.
City officials plan to reconvene later this year to vote on any formal lease agreement with PISD. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged through upcoming council meetings and public comment periods.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Plano — read the source article.
