BARTOW, FL – The City of Bartow is moving forward with plans to improve parks and green spaces throughout the city, but officials say a new aquatics program and pool project are no longer financially feasible due to rising construction costs, projected operating expenses, and other budget concerns.
In a statement released by Bartow City Manager Mike Herr, the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services is currently gathering public input for a Parks Master Plan aimed at determining the best use of available resources to enhance parks and recreational areas across the city. The first community meeting was held on April 28, with additional meetings planned next month. Residents are also encouraged to participate in an online survey regarding future parks improvements.
Herr stated that the original estimated cost for the proposed pool project increased from approximately $3.5 million to between $6 million and $8 million due to escalating construction prices. He also noted that annual operating expenses for the aquatics facility were projected at approximately $1.4 million to $1.5 million per year.
According to Herr, the City is also preparing for potential impacts from proposed Florida property tax relief legislation, which could reduce annual city revenues by an estimated $3.1 million.
The proposed aquatics center was originally approved by the Bartow City Commission during a meeting on Aug. 19, 2024. Plans called for the facility to be built at the City’s Civic Center located at 2250 S. Floral Ave., which was previously home to the City’s former pool before it closed several years ago due to infrastructure and mechanical issues. According to the City, more than 960 residents who responded to a community survey and approximately 50 people who attended the public meeting supported the Civic Center location, with many residents citing childhood memories of swimming at the site.
In addition to financial concerns, Herr said the City faces an urgent public safety need involving the downtown fire station headquarters, which has operated since 1969. Independent architectural evaluations reportedly advised against further investment in the aging building because of deteriorating conditions and health and safety concerns for firefighters.
Herr said he is recommending reserve funds previously set aside for the pool project be used to help finance a new downtown fire station while the City seeks legislative appropriations for additional funding.
Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming public meetings and participate in the parks survey as the City continues planning future improvements.
SOURCE: CITY OF BARTOW
