2025-032 Civic Center Pool February 14, 2025 Report No. 2025-032
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Retention and Renovation of the Civic Center Pool
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On October 6,2024, Council Member Beck submitted a two-minute pitch to amend the Downtown
and Aquatics Master Plan to include the retention and renovation of the Civic Center Pool. On
October 15, 2024, the City Council provided consensus to provide an Informal Staff Report to the
Council on the feasibility of the pitch.
BACKGROUND:
Current Status and Usage of the Civic Center Pool
• Located in Quakertown Park, built in 1965, renovated in the 1990s and in 2016
• Utilization: 39,743 guests in 2024 (2.5-month season)
• Operates with a General Fund subsidy of 59% (or 41% cost recovery)
Historical Significance
• Part of O'Neil Ford's original design for the Civic Center Complex
• Much of the original design for the pool complex has been modified. Some original
elements remain(e.g., Beaumont Mood lighting fixtures, and sunning hill)
• The pool was locally designated as part of the larger park on June 20, 2017. The historical
integrity of the original pool design has been attenuated over the past 60+ years with the
replacement of the original bathhouse and fencing, and with additional updates and
maintenance resulting in concrete resurfacing and pool expansion.
DISCUSSION:
The Aquatics Master Plan(adopted 2024)and Design Downtown Denton Plan(adopted 2024) can
have Council-approved amendments added to the documents as planning evolves regarding the
Civic Center Pool. An amendment will nullify any content with prior approval.
Supporting Documents—A total of(3)plans and a Facility Condition Assessment have been
adopted since 2022 that list considerations for the Civic Center Pool.
• Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan (pg. 99, 102)
• Aquatics Master Plan (pg. 45)
• Design Downtown Denton Plan
• Facility Condition Assessment
February 14, 2025 Report No. 2025-032
Guidance from multiple consultant-led studies call attention to the physical concerns regarding the
Civic Center Pool. Each master plan also contains individual market analysis and community
feedback sessions that gages the impact of existing operations.
If City Council like to amend the current master plan, staff recommends conducting a full site
analysis to evaluate existing infrastructure and receive an end-of-lifecycle plan prior to any capital
improvements made to the existing facility.
CONCLUSION:
The Civic Center Pool faces challenges related to aging infrastructure and operational costs. The
plans can have Council-approved amendments added to the documents as planning evolves. Staff
recommends a comprehensive site analysis and end-of-lifecycle plan prior to any amendments,
which will provide critical information for informed decision-making regarding the pool's future.
If the Council gives direction to proceed, staff will determine the budget request needed for the
site analysis and submit it as a Council supplemental in the FY 25-26.
STAFF CONTACT:
Rameir Martin
Assistant Director—Parks and Recreation Department
Rameir.Martin&cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-9280
REOUESTOR:
Council Member Brian Beck
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT:
2 Hours
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS:
Parks and Recreation and Development Services