A piece of Borger’s history is diving into a new chapter. The swimming pool at the Johnson Park Youth Center, a community fixture since the late 1950s, has undergone a full transformation—and the city is ready to unveil it in style.
With a ribbon-cutting ceremony set for 2 p.m. this Friday, the revitalized pool isn’t just a facelift. It’s a complete modernization, offering not only a new look but a fresh purpose for a new generation of families and youth.
A Smart Investment, Not Just a Splashy Expense
What makes this project stand out isn’t just the sparkling water or upgraded amenities. It’s how the city made it happen: responsibly and without burdening taxpayers.
“Overall, it was $3.5 million,” said Garrett Spradling, Borger city manager. “We were able to do that with funds in the bank without issuing debt or raising taxes.”
At a time when cities across the country are struggling to balance budgets with public needs, Borger’s strategy serves as a lesson in fiscal responsibility. The city scoped the project carefully—upgrading infrastructure and improving accessibility, all while staying within budget.
Bigger, Better, and Built for Families
Emanuel Dickson, recreation coordinator for the City of Borger, sees the project as a major win for the community.
“Coming from the old into the new, it’s going to be a very nice facility for the citizens,” said Dickson. “This means for Borger more room, more family attractions, so we are looking forward to it.”
Indeed, the redesigned pool is more than just a place to swim. It’s a community hub that invites families to spend time together, stay active, and enjoy the summer sun—something that’s been a long time coming.
Smart Tech for Clean Water and Cost Savings
One of the major upgrades involves behind-the-scenes technology that most swimmers won’t notice—but everyone will benefit from.
“The new system is automated so that it's constantly taking water samples and analyzing it electronically,” said Spradling. “It adjusts the systems as needed. For us, that reduces manpower, it reduces the amount of chemicals that we need, and we're turning over the water faster.”
In other words, it’s cleaner, greener, and more efficient. Every gallon of water in the pool can now be treated in less than half a day.
A Glimpse at What’s Next: 828 Sports Ventures
While the city celebrates this completed project, eyes are already turning toward the next big development: the 828 Sports Ventures project planned for Borger Enterprise Park.
“They are actually in the development phase,” Spradling shared. “This is the long phase—platting, drainage, infrastructure design, and architecture. That’s the part that takes the longest.”
Still, with the success of the Johnson Park project as a blueprint, residents can be cautiously optimistic. Borger is proving it can take on ambitious upgrades while staying grounded in financial reality and community needs.
Join the Celebration
With summer around the corner, the pool's grand reopening comes at the perfect time. The public is invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony this Friday at 2 p.m., and be among the first to experience the new and improved Johnson Park Youth Center pool.
