Skip to content
AmarilloBudget · Contracts · Debt

Storyline · 22 events · 1931 – about Sep 2026

Amarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)

In December 2018 the City of Amarillo closed Thompson Park Pool, its oldest public pool (opened 1931), citing inspection findings of deteriorating concrete and steel, corrosion and leaks. After a 2019 survey and a January 2020 forum, the City issued $8,000,000 in Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2020, for a replacement pool; news reports described the council's May 2020 approval as $7.9 million. The new aquatic facility, designed by Parkhill, Smith & Cooper and built by Wiley Hicks, Jr., Inc., opened July 24, 2021 after weather delays. In November 2025 the Parks and Recreation Board recommended closing the Southeast (built 1965) and Southwest (built 1974) pools. On January 13, 2026 the council voted to close Southwest Pool permanently and Southeast Pool temporarily; on January 27, 2026 it paused the permanent closure, and both pools stayed closed for the 2026 season pending a structural assessment and aquatic viability study. In July 2026 the Parks Board recommended a $150,000 study; City agenda planners listed a $99,900 award to Kimley-Horn and Associates for the study.

A storyline groups dated events in order. It is a chronology, not an argument; it does not say why anything happened. All storylines

  1. · Context

    Thompson Park Pool opens; later renovated in 1986 and 2003

    Thompson Park Pool opened in 1931 and became Amarillo's oldest public pool. KFDA reported it was built for $16,000 and had at least three renovations since 1954, including projects in 1986 and 2003 ($434,949).[1][2]

    • ✓ Verified

      Thompson Park Pool opened in 1931 and was Amarillo's oldest public pool. KFDA reported it was built for $16,000.[2][1]

      Build cost
      $16,000
    • ✓ Verified

      A 2003 renovation of Thompson Park Pool cost $434,949.[2][1]

      Amount
      $434,949
    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Reports differ on the cost of the 1986 Thompson Park Pool renovation.

      Reported value 1[2]

      Amount
      $200,000

      KVII: a $200,000 project in 1986.

      Reported value 2[1]

      Amount
      $300,000

      KFDA: 1986 renovation costing $300,000.

  2. · Origin

    City permanently closes Thompson Park Pool after inspections

    The City announced that Thompson Park Pool would close permanently after inspections found deteriorating concrete and reinforcing steel, metal corrosion in the walls and floors that could create an electric shock hazard, and numerous leaks. Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba said the decision was based on public safety. KFDA reported a replacement estimate of $8 million to $10 million and no replacement funding in the 2018-2019 budget.[2][1]

    Michael Kashuba

    • ✓ Verified

      The City said inspections of Thompson Park Pool found widespread deterioration of concrete and reinforcing steel, corrosion of metal in the walls and floors that could create an electric shock hazard, and numerous leaks; it determined the pool was unsafe for future use.[2][1]

    • ✓ Verified

      Michael Kashuba, Director of Parks and Recreation: Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba said: "This decision is entirely based on the issue of public safety" and "It is no longer feasible or possible to repair or renovate the pool while also maintaining standards of public safety."[2]

    • ✓ Verified

      KFDA reported that leaks caused a loss of about 300,000 gallons of water per month during the swim season.[1]

      Gallons per month
      300,000
    • ✓ Verified

      KFDA reported in December 2018 that replacing the pool was estimated at $8 million to $10 million (an estimate) and that the 2018-2019 budget included no replacement funding.[1]

      Estimate low
      $8,000,000
      Estimate high
      $10,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      The City said it had started an asset management plan for the Parks and Recreation Department, recently approved by the council, to guide future budgeting; remaining public pools were the Warford Activity Center (indoor) and the Southeast and Southwest outdoor pools.[2][1]

  3. · Context

    City opens a public survey on a possible Thompson Park Pool replacement

    The City released an online and paper survey on visit frequency, pool style and admission preferences to inform decisions on a possible replacement. KFDA reported the City had no funding for a new pool at that time.[3]

    Michael Kashuba

    • ✓ Verified

      In May 2019 the City released an online and paper survey asking about visit frequency, pool style and admissions to inform a possible Thompson Park Pool replacement; KFDA reported 150 responses in the first few hours and that the City had no funding for a new pool at that time.[3]

  4. · Precursor

    FY 2019-20 budget book anticipates a $6 million certificate issue for a new pool

    The City's FY 2019-2020 budget book stated that the City anticipated a $6 million certificate of obligation issue during 2020 to build a new pool facility in Thompson Park.[4]

    • ✓ Verified

      The FY 2019-2020 budget book states: "During 2018 the City had to close the swimming pool facility located at Thompson Park. The City anticipates during 2020 a $6 million certificate of obligation issue for the construction of new pool facility located in the same park." This was a projection.[4]

      Anticipated amount
      $6,000,000

  5. · Related development

    City holds a community forum on the new Thompson Park Pool

    The City held a community forum at the Warford Activity Center on options for a new pool. KVII reported the council had awarded a $425,000 contract to help plan the new pool, a construction start targeted for late summer 2020 and an opening goal of Memorial Day 2021. Because a landfill lies under parts of Thompson Park, the City proposed relocating the facility within the park.[5]

    Michael Kashuba

    • ✓ Verified

      The City held a community forum on Jan. 9, 2020 at the Charles E. Warford Activity Center; KVII reported construction projected to begin by the end of summer 2020 with a Memorial Day 2021 opening goal (projections at the time).[5]

    • ✓ Verified

      KVII reported that the City Council had granted a $425,000 contract to help plan a new Thompson Park Pool; the report did not name the firm or the date of the vote.[5]

      Amount
      $425,000
    • ✓ Verified

      Michael Kashuba, Director of Parks and Recreation: Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba said "there is an existing landfill underneath portions of Thompson park"; the City proposed sites across from the original pool, north of Wonderland, or across River Road.[5]

    • ✓ Verified

      A community activist (as quoted by KVII): A community activist quoted by KVII said residents were upset because they "weren't really given any information" about the closure.[5]

  6. · Related development

    Notice of intent for up to $8.15 million in certificates; an online petition seeks a vote

    Texas Scorecard reported that the council voted to publish notice of its intention to issue up to $8.15 million in certificates of obligation for the pool project, and that residents started an online petition seeking a public vote, which it said City officials would not accept.[6]

    • Unverified

      Texas Scorecard: Texas Scorecard reported that the City Council voted to publish its intention to issue up to $8.15 million in certificates of obligation for the project; the article did not give the vote date. No City document confirming the notice was fetched.[6]

      Maximum
      $8,150,000
    • Unverified

      Texas Scorecard: Texas Scorecard reported that residents started an online (Change.org) petition seeking a public vote on the certificates, with more than 1,600 signatures, and said City officials would not accept online petitions; it stated that under state law a petition signed by at least 5 percent of registered voters, filed before the certificates are issued, would require an election.[6]

    • ✓ Verified

      No fetched source records a City statement responding to the online petition, or any petition being filed with the City Secretary.[6]

  7. · Starting point

    City issues $8 million in Series 2020 certificates of obligation for a new Thompson Park pool

    The City issued $8,000,000 in Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2020, to build a new pool at Thompson Park, maturing through 2050. News reports described the council's May 2020 approval as $7.9 million. City budget books list the issue among three debt issuances behind the FY 2020-21 increase in the debt-service portion of the property tax rate.[7][8][9][10]

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Figures for the 2020 pool financing differ by stage and source.

      Reported value 1[4]

      Amount
      $6,000,000

      FY 2019-20 budget book projection (2019) of the certificate issue.

      Reported value 2[6]

      Amount
      $8,150,000

      Maximum in the notice of intent, as reported by Texas Scorecard (advocacy; unverified).

      Reported value 3[9][10][7]

      Amount
      $7,900,000

      Amount news reports say the council approved in May 2020; also the 'new $7.9 million aquatics complex' in City budget narrative.

      Reported value 4[7][8]

      Amount
      $8,000,000

      Par amount of the Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2020, as issued (City debt schedules).

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      City budget books give different dates for the Series 2020 certificates.

      Reported value 1[7]

      Date
      2020-05-12

      Date shown in the FY 2020-21 budget book debt schedules.

      Reported value 2[8]

      Date
      2020-05-01

      FY 2021-22 budget book note: 'On May 1, 2020, the City issued' the CO Series 2020.

    • ✓ Verified

      The FY 2020-21 budget book says the Series 2020 certificates, $8,000,000 at a true interest cost of 2.59%, were issued to pay for the construction of a new pool at Thompson Park to replace the closed pool, with maturities through 2050; the FY 2021-22 book lists rates of 2.00% to 5.00% and annual maturities of $130,000 to $400,000.[7][8]

      Par
      $8,000,000
      True interest cost
      2.59%
    • ✓ Verified

      The FY 2020-21 budget book says the debt-service property tax rate rose from $0.04403 to $0.05233 per $100 valuation, an increase it relates to three debt issuances: the 2016 bond election, construction of the new Thompson Pool, and downtown property purchased by the City.[7]

      Debt rate before per 100
      $0.04403 per $100
      Debt rate after per 100
      $0.05233 per $100
    • ✓ Verified

      No fetched source records a voter election on the 2020 pool certificates; City budget books record them as issued in 2020.[7][6]

  8. · Related development

    City releases plans for the new Thompson Park Pool

    A City release described the replacement as the largest public aquatics site in the Amarillo area, with a lazy river for 220 people, cabanas and a main pool area for 400, and a tentative opening around Memorial Day 2021.[10][9][11]

    Michael Kashuba

    • ✓ Verified

      The City described the new pool as the largest public aquatics site in the Amarillo area, with a lazy river for 220 people, cabanas and a main pool area for 400 people, tentatively opening around Memorial Day 2021 (a projection).[10][9][11]

    • ✓ Verified

      Michael Kashuba, Director of Parks and Recreation: Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba said "The new Thompson Park Pool will be a modern, state-of-the-art facility" and that the City "really wanted and valued public input on this project."[9][10]

  9. · Context

    Thompson Park Aquatic Facility registered with the state; Parkhill, Smith & Cooper listed as design firm

    The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation registration for the City of Amarillo Thompson Park Aquatic Facility lists an estimated cost of $7,000,000, a start date of Oct. 1, 2020, a completion date of Nov. 29, 2021, and Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc. as design firm.[12]

    Parkhill (formerly Parkhill, Smith & Cooper)

    • ✓ Verified

      The TDLR registration (TABS2020021204, registered July 28, 2020) for the City of Amarillo Thompson Park Aquatic Facility, 2401 Dumas Drive, lists an estimated cost of $7,000,000, start date Oct. 1, 2020, completion date Nov. 29, 2021, and design firm Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc.[12]

      Estimated cost
      $7,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      The City's check register records $1,872,087.02 in 48 payments to Parkhill Smith & Cooper Inc (listed as 'PARKHILL SMITH & COOPER INC (R') between 2022-07-05 and 2024-12-30, and $456,829.59 in 21 payments under 'PARKHILL SMITH & COOPER INC' between 2025-01-27 and 2026-05-07. The register begins in July 2022 and does not identify the project each payment funded.[13]

      Total
      $2,328,917
      Parkhill r
      $1,872,087
      Parkhill
      $456,830

      See the payments in the check register →

  10. · Related development

    Groundbreaking for the new Thompson Park Pool

    Amarillo Parks and Recreation held a groundbreaking at Thompson Park. KFDA reported an $8 million project with expected completion in eight months and a planned Memorial Day 2021 opening.[14]

    Michael Kashuba

    • ✓ Verified

      Parks and Recreation held a groundbreaking on Sept. 28, 2020 at Thompson Park, north of Wonderland Park on East Chaparral Drive; KFDA reported an $8 million project expected to take eight months, with a zero-edge entry, main pool, lazy river, slides, concession and restroom building, pump house and parking lot.[14]

      Amount
      $8,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      Sources give the construction start as the Sept. 28, 2020 groundbreaking, October 2020 (KFDA), and Oct. 1, 2020 (TDLR registration).[14][15][12]

  11. · Related development

    Contractor Wiley Hicks, Jr., Inc. reports the pool about 30 percent complete

    KFDA reported construction began in October 2020 with general contractor Wiley Hicks, Jr., Inc. and a Parkhill project manager, about 30 workers on site daily, and the project about 30 percent complete. Mayor Ginger Nelson called it a quality-of-life benefit.[15]

    Ginger NelsonMichael KashubaWiley Hicks, Jr., Inc.Parkhill (formerly Parkhill, Smith & Cooper)

    • ✓ Verified

      Michael Kashuba, Director of Parks and Recreation: Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba said survey respondents (more than 1,400) wanted a lazy river and did not want lap swimming: "The number one thing the community did not want was lap swimming."[15]

      Survey responses
      1,400
    • ✓ Verified

      Wiley Hicks, president, Wiley Hicks, Jr., Inc.: KFDA identified the general contractor as Wiley Hicks, Jr., Inc., whose president Wiley Hicks said in January 2021 the project was "probably 30 percent complete"; a Parkhill landscape architect served as project manager.[15]

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Ginger Nelson: Mayor Ginger Nelson said the pool "will be fun and a quality-of-life benefit for the citizens in Amarillo."[15]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City's check register records $6,029,336.61 in 61 payments to Wiley Hicks Jr Inc between 2022-08-22 and 2026-05-07. The register begins in July 2022, after the pool opened, so it does not show the 2020-21 pool construction payments, and it does not identify the project each payment funded.[13]

      Total
      $6,029,337
      Payments
      61

      See the payments in the check register →

  12. · Related development

    Opening moved from late May to a tentative July 23

    The City moved the tentative opening to July 23, 2021, citing weather and pandemic effects on construction; a Parks and Recreation spokesperson cited 43 weather-delay dates.[16]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City moved the opening from late May 2021 to a tentative July 23, citing weather and pandemic effects on construction; a Parks and Recreation spokesperson cited 43 weather-related delay dates. Admission was announced at $5 per ticket or $10 for a full session.[16]

      Weather delay days
      43

  13. · Peak

    New Thompson Park Pool opens with a ribbon cutting

    The new pool opened with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. on July 24, 2021, with a zero-edge entry leisure pool, a lazy river with a vortex pool, two run-out slides and a party pavilion.[17][18]

    Michael Kashuba

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      No fetched source states a final, audited cost for the new Thompson Park Pool; published figures differ.

      Reported value 1[12]

      Amount
      $7,000,000

      TDLR registration estimated cost (July 2020).

      Reported value 2[7][8][15]

      Amount
      $7,900,000

      '$7.9 million aquatics complex' (City budget books; KFDA, KVII, Jan 2021 KFDA).

      Reported value 3[14][7]

      Amount
      $8,000,000

      $8 million project cost reported at the groundbreaking; equals the Series 2020 certificate par amount.

    • ✓ Verified

      The new Thompson Park Pool opened with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021, with doors open to the public at 11 a.m., about two months after the original Memorial Day 2021 target.[17][18][16]

    • ✓ Verified

      Features at opening: a zero-edge entry leisure pool with a sun-shelf deck, deck-side spray features, a lazy river with a vortex pool, two run-out slides, a party pavilion, two pool-side basketball hoops, and a toddler water table.[17][18]

    • ✓ Verified

      Michael Kashuba, Director of Parks and Recreation: Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba said: "This project was highly anticipated and truly a collaboration between our city leaders and local community members."[17][18]

  14. · Context

    FY 2023-24 budget raises pool admission fees

    The adopted FY 2023-24 budget set admission at $5 at the Southeast and Southwest pools and $7 at Thompson Pool, with a stated budgetary impact of $17,385.[19]

    • ✓ Verified

      The adopted FY 2023-24 budget set admission at $5.00 at the Southeast and Southwest pools (from $3-$4 for most daytime categories) and $7.00 for half-day and evening admission at Thompson Pool (from $6-$8), "to help cover costs," with a budgetary impact of $17,385.[19]

      Thompson admission
      $7
      Se sw admission
      $5
      Budget impact
      $17,385

  15. · Precursor

    Agenda planner lists an aquatic market viability study award to Kimley-Horn

    The City's July 2025 agenda planner listed, for the Aug. 12, 2025 meeting, an $85,200 award to Kimley-Horn and Associates for an Aquatic Market Viability Study. The FY 2025-26 budget book said the Southeast (1965, remodeled 1987) and Southwest (1974) pools were within a typical 50- to 60-year life expectancy and that the City had engaged a firm for a feasibility study.[20][21]

    Kimley-Horn and Associates

    • Unverified

      The City's July 21, 2025 agenda planner listed, for the Aug. 12, 2025 meeting, "Consider Award - Aquatic Market Viability Study" to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for $85,200 from general fund revenues. Planner items are anticipated agenda items; no fetched source confirms a council vote on this item.[20]

      Amount
      $85,200
    • ✓ Verified

      The FY 2025-26 budget book says Southeast Pool was built in 1965 and remodeled in 1987, Southwest Pool was built in 1974, both are within a typical 50- to 60-year pool life expectancy, Southeast had significant infrastructure and mechanical issues in the most recent season, and "we have engaged a firm to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study."[21]

  16. · Trigger

    Parks and Recreation Board votes 8-1 to recommend closing the Southeast and Southwest pools

    The Parks and Recreation Board voted 8-1 to recommend permanently closing both pools, citing age, maintenance costs, leaks and safety concerns.[22][23]

    • ✓ Verified

      In November 2025 the Parks and Recreation Board voted 8-1 to recommend permanently closing the Southeast and Southwest pools, citing age, maintenance costs, leaks and safety concerns.[22][23]

      Votes for
      8
      Votes against
      1

  17. · Related development

    Parks staff present findings: repairs could exceed $1 million

    The Parks and Recreation Department presented its internal study of both pools to the council, showing needed repairs that "could eclipse $1 million."[22][23]

    • ✓ Verified

      In December 2025 the Parks and Recreation Department presented data (Agenda Item 6.4) showing the two pools needed significant repairs that "could eclipse $1 million" (an estimate).[22][23]

      Estimate
      $1,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      Southeast Pool was built in 1965 and Southwest Pool, at 4800 S. Bell St. in John Stiff Memorial Park, in 1974.[22][24][21]

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Sources give different street addresses for Southeast Pool.

      Reported value 1[2]

      Value
      3400 S. Osage Street

      KVII, December 2018.

      Reported value 2[22]

      Value
      435 S. Osage St.

      City of Amarillo news release, March 2026.

  18. · Peak

    Council votes to close Southwest Pool permanently and Southeast Pool temporarily

    The council voted to permanently close Southwest Pool and to close Southeast Pool for the coming season pending an engineering study. The resolution said both pools had exceeded their useful life and that inspections found structural voids and cracking.[24][25][26]

    Tim ReidDavid PrescottLes Simpson

    • ✓ Verified

      On Jan. 13, 2026 the council voted unanimously to permanently close Southwest Pool and to close Southeast Pool for the coming season pending an engineering study; KVII reported it was the first reading of the resolution.[24][25][26]

    • ✓ Verified

      The resolution said both pools had exceeded their useful life and that "Inspections revealed structural voids, cracking, and other deteriorating conditions"; KVII reported minimum Southeast repairs at nearly $1 million (an estimate), excluding underlying problems such as erosion beneath the pool, with Southwest similar.[24]

    • ✓ Verified

      Councilmembers Tim Reid and David Prescott: Councilmember Tim Reid said: "Closing anything that's a quality-of-life issue is never good." Councilmember David Prescott said that if the study showed Southeast Pool could be fixed at relatively minor expense the City should consider keeping it, and otherwise suggested a complex like Thompson Park's on the southeast side.[25]

    • ✓ Verified

      Councilmember Les Simpson: Councilmember Les Simpson said the engineering study would assess the pool's condition, including areas not visible, safety risks and repair costs, and asked whether the City could invest in amenities popular at Thompson Park while making a prudent financial investment.[26]

    • ✓ Verified

      For summer 2026 the City's open public pools were the outdoor Thompson Park Pool and the indoor pool at the Warford Activity Center.[24][27]

  19. · Resolution

    Council pauses the Southwest Pool permanent closure; both pools closed temporarily for a study

    The council paused the permanent closure of Southwest Pool; both pools were to stay closed for the summer season while an engineering study and a feasibility study were conducted. The City reported a 5-0 vote to close both pools temporarily and a unanimous vote for the study.[28][22][23]

    Tim ReidDonny Hooper

    • ✓ Verified

      On Jan. 27, 2026 the council paused the permanent closure of Southwest Pool; both pools were to be closed temporarily for the summer season while an engineering study, followed by a feasibility study, was conducted. The City reported a 5-0 vote to close both temporarily and a unanimous vote for the study (Agenda Item 5.4).[28][22]

      Votes for
      5
      Votes against
      0
    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Reports differ on when the council reversed the Southwest Pool permanent closure.

      Reported value 1[28][22]

      Date
      2026-01-27

      KFDA Jan. 27, 2026 report and the City's March 2026 release (January votes).

      Reported value 2[29]

      Month
      2026-03

      KFDA July 2026 report: 'In March, the council reversed the permanent closure and called for a feasibility study.'

    • ✓ Verified

      Councilmember Tim Reid; Donny Hooper, Assistant City Manager: Councilmember Tim Reid called the pools "a quality of life issue" and asked why one pool would be closed permanently and the other temporarily; Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper said the council wanted staff to determine whether the pools could be repaired and "bring them back up to standards" or whether other options made sense.[28]

    • ✓ Verified

      No fetched source records a council statement of why the Southwest Pool permanent closure was paused beyond the councilmember's question about treating both pools the same; the site records no cause.[28][22]

  20. · Related development

    City seeks bids for a structural assessment and aquatic market viability study

    The City announced both pools would be closed for spring and summer 2026 and opened bidding through April 2, 2026 for a Structural Assessment and Aquatic Market Viability Study.[22][23][30]

    • ✓ Verified

      On March 3, 2026 the City said both pools would be closed in spring and summer 2026 pending a Structural Assessment and Aquatic Market Viability Study, with bids accepted through April 2, 2026 on its Bonfire platform; the request described a consultant evaluation of physical condition, operational efficiency and community alignment.[22][23][30]

  21. · Related development

    Parks Board recommends the aquatics study; agenda planners list a Kimley-Horn award

    The Parks and Recreation Board voted to recommend an aquatics feasibility study to the council; KFDA reported a single bid of $150,000. City agenda planners listed a $99,900 award to Kimley-Horn and Associates for the Aquatic Market Viability Study, first for July 14 and then for July 28, 2026.[29][31][32]

    Kimley-Horn and Associates

    • ✓ Verified

      Bob Altman, chairman, Parks and Recreation Board: On July 8, 2026 KFDA reported the Parks and Recreation Board voted to recommend an aquatics feasibility study covering both pools, several splash pads and the City's overall aquatics direction; it reported a single bid of $150,000 and did not name the firm. Board chairman Bob Altman said: "We need to go forward pretty quickly for next year."[29]

      Amount
      $150,000
    • ⚠ Sources differ

      The reported cost of the 2026 aquatic study differs between the news report and City agenda planners.

      Reported value 1[29]

      Amount
      $150,000

      KFDA: one bid received, for $150,000; firm not named.

      Reported value 2[31][32]

      Amount
      $99,900
      Vendor
      Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

      City agenda planners (June 24 and July 9, 2026): award for the Aquatic Market Viability Study, general fund revenues (CIP PRJ-0000012), listed for July 14 and then July 28, 2026.

    • Pending

      Planner items are anticipated agenda items; no fetched source confirms whether or when the council approved the 2026 study award, or reports study results.[32][29]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City's check register records $16,096,869.02 in 142 payments to Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc between 2022-07-05 and 2026-05-21. The register does not identify the project each payment funded, and the firm works on many City projects.[13]

      Total
      $16,096,869
      Payments
      142

      See the payments in the check register →

  22. · Context

    FY 2026-27 budget: Southeast and Southwest pools closed for 2026 pending a third-party study

    The proposed FY 2026-27 budget book says the Southeast and Southwest pools were temporarily closed for the 2026 season while a third party evaluates their structure and completes an aquatic viability study, and that each pool needs new pump-room equipment and replastering estimated at about $700,000 per pool.[27]

    • ✓ Verified

      The proposed FY 2026-27 budget book says Southeast and Southwest pools are temporarily closed for the 2026 season while a third party evaluates their structural integrity and completes an aquatic viability study; both need new pump-room mechanical equipment and replastering estimated at around $700,000 per pool; Southeast had infrastructure and mechanical issues in 2025 and vandalism in spring 2026; and Southwest had a failed pump motor and voids found under the pool deck.[27]

      Estimate per pool
      $700,000

Related storylines: Amarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)