Eanes finalized a contract for an aquatics center, answering a decade-long push for a district swimming pool, officials said Tuesday.
The contract means that WAQUA, LLC, the company hired to manage the facility, wil cover all operational costs associated with the aquatics center while maintaining expectations established by the district. The group also operates the Westlake Athletic Community Center , and currently provides access for Westlake High School student groups including badminton, band, baseball, basketball, cheer, color guard, football, soccer, softball, Teen Teaching and track.
“Our team has had a wonderful relationship with (Eanes) for the past five years and we are thrilled to expand our relationship to include the aquatics facility,” said Jeff Buch, WAQUA, LLC President. “We know our primary responsibility is to support the current and future EISD aquatics programs, and we look forward to doing so, while simultaneously providing a host of new and exciting aquatics opportunities to the community as a whole.”
Voters approved an $80 million bond in May 2019, that included funding for an aquatics facility. The estimated $10.3 million facility was to be built with a promise that the district would not absorb any operational costs. That promise was met with the approved contract this week, district officials said.
“The board is very excited to move forward with this aquatics center,” Board President Jennifer Champagne said. “The agreement fulfills the commitment made to our community that there would be no impact on our budget and provides a much-needed space for our students.”
According to a new release, the district will have facility access for the Westlake High School swimming and diving programs, a possible middle school expansion swim program, potential water polo and other district swim activities, and community use for pool time, swim lessons and swim club rentals.
“We are excited to move forward in what will serve our community’s needs for years,” said Superintendent Tom Leonard. “Not only will our students and community benefit from this facility, but to operate at a cost-neutral basis is a huge win for our constituents.”
The initial contract term is five years, with the ability to renew the contract for up to four additional five-year terms. The contract provides for profit sharing, as well as sharing of costs for certain construction or design upgrades.
Construction on the aquatics center will begin immediately, as will the approved robotics expansion and new wrestling space.
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