City and Plano ISD officials are discussing ways to keep the Plano Aquatic Center running after residents spoke in support of the facility at an Oct. 26 City Council meeting. The center's 50-year lease is set to expire in August 2027.
City Manager Mark Israelson said the city still intends to turn the facility over to PISD as planned. He said the city wants to work with the district on a lease so the water aerobics class can continue at the center over the long term. Parks and Recreation Director Ron Smith said the center costs the city nearly $1.4 million a year to run, while revenue is $157,017. Smith said reaching the city's 41% cost recovery expectation would require $572,162 in revenue.
Resident Kris Stephenson said the center is the only pool in the district with ramp access to the deep end, which lets people who have trouble walking take part in deep water aerobics. Smith said the city plans to move Learn-to-Swim and Open Swim to other pools starting in January 2027. City of Plano Swimmers and water aerobics will continue at the center until August 2027, and PISD swim teams will stay.