North Port Florida Aquatics Facility

City residents make the case to replace the original pool that was built 54 years ago by General Development.

North Port plans to shut down YMCA pool

North Port city staff were asked to craft a plan to fund and build a 50-meter pool at Butler Park, pictured, that includes amenities to host swimming competitions. In the background is the Morgan Family Center. HERALD-TRIBUNE ARCHIVE / DALE WHITE / 2013
Thursday
Posted Sep 29, 2016 at 6:30 PM
Updated Sep 29, 2016 at 6:30 PM

By Earle Kimel
Staff Writer

NORTH PORT - Two clear messages regarding swimming pools emerged out of a North Port City Commission Workshop on Thursday.

First, the 57-year-old, city-owned pool - out of commission since Sept. 21 because of a broken pump - will remain closed. City Manager Jonathan Lewis expects to have a plan to permanently close the pool at the commission's Oct. 11 meeting.

Second, the city staff will begin to craft a plan to fund and build a 50-meter pool at Butler Park that should offer amenities to host swimming competitions.

There may be several options for competition, ranging from Pan American Games to college and high school swim meets. Each level of competition requires different amenities - and increased cost.

In giving Lewis direction, commissioners worked from a 2011 concept plan for a pool at Butler Park. A majority favored Option B, which would include the 50-meter pool, deck, concession area, bleachers, a bathhouse/administration building and a 4,000-square-foot leisure pool, among other amenities. The cost for the aquatic complex and ongoing maintenance have been established in 2016 dollars.

The city has designated a site for the new pool: Butler Park at 6205 West Price Blvd., which would be convenient for student swim teams from nearby North Port High School and Heron Creek Middle School. The North Port High swim team currently practices at the existing city pool but cannot host meets.