The Bartow City Commission voted at their regular meeting on Monday to construct a new municipal aquatics center at the City’s Civic Center, located at 2250 S. Floral Ave. The decision followed a months-long process of information gathering that included multiple Commission Workshops, a Community meeting and survey of residents and business owners.
The Civic Center is the site of the City’s old pool, which was closed several years ago due to infrastructure and mechanical issues. That pool will be filled in to accommodate a more modern aquatics center design that will include additional amenities.
The Commission also considered the construction of the center at the vacant Oaks building which is located on Wilson Ave. across from City Hall. It was suggested that locating the aquatics center at a more central location close to downtown could spark future development and bolster downtown businesses.
The more than 960 residents who responded to the survey and the 50 individuals who attended the Community meeting were overwhelmingly in favor of the Civic Center location, many citing memories of swimming there in their youth.
The Commission voted 4 to 1 in favor of the Civic Center option, with Mayor Trish Pfeiffer voting against, noting her preference for the Oaks building site.
Mayor Pfeiffer nevertheless is excited to bring a pool back to the City at the Civic Center, stating, “Thank you to city staff and to all our citizens who provided input. I look forward to moving the aquatic project forward, and to its completion for the residents of our city to enjoy.”
“I am very happy to see us move forward with plans for an aquatic facility consistent with the desires of our residents,” added Commissioner Leo Longworth.
Construction of the aquatics center, which will include a main pool with six 25-yard exercise lanes, a zero-depth entry children’s pool with play structures, a splash pad with interactive water features, a shaded event pavilion and the necessary pump and filter equipment, will cost approximately $3.93 million. Annual operating expenses are expected to amount to nearly $500,000. The construction costs will be taken from the City’s reserve funds.
“The decision by our City Commission to bring back an aquatics program to our community is a huge step forward for kids and families to learn how to swim and to enjoy their time together in a safe and healthy environment,” said Bartow City Manager Mike Herr.
Construction is projected to begin next summer with the center opening to the public in July or August of 2026.
