During Tuesday’s Amarillo City Council meeting, city officials discussed a proposal to award a contract to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to conduct an aquatic market viability study. The study is intended to assess the city’s current aquatic facilities, including public pools and splashpads, and develop a strategic plan for their future.
Director of Parks and Recreation Michael Kashuba presented the item, explaining that the study would help the city plan more proactively for the maintenance and operation of aquatic facilities. “When I got here seven years ago, I was faced with the unfortunate challenge of having to close Thompson pool within six months of being with the city. Obviously, that put council in a bad spot because it hadn’t been communicated previously by staff as to the condition of that facility. What we really want to do is plan ahead, and so this is a strategic plan trying to identify how we move forward with our pools and our splash pads,” Kashuba said.
The study is expected to evaluate the physical condition of the city’s existing pools and splashpads and provide recommendations for repairs, upgrades, or replacements. Kashuba added that it will also review the city’s current fee structure, examining whether adjustments are needed to better align with current market rates.
Councilmember Place 3 David Prescott raised concerns about outsourcing the entire study. He suggested that the Parks and Recreation Department might be able to handle some portions of the project internally. Kashuba responded that the department would evaluate that possibility but emphasized the advantages of bringing in consultants. “The ability to see larger market trends is the benefit of using consultants, and I’m happy to remove portions of the study that are more operational and less about the market,” he said.
City officials noted that having a clear strategic plan for aquatic facilities is increasingly important as Amarillo’s population grows and recreational needs evolve. Public pools and splashpads serve not only as recreational outlets but also as community gathering spaces, and ensuring their sustainability and accessibility is a priority for city leaders.
The proposed study would help the city make data-driven decisions about future investments in aquatic facilities, from routine maintenance to potential expansion projects. By understanding both the condition of current assets and broader market trends, Amarillo aims to optimize its aquatic offerings while maintaining affordability for residents.
The council did not take final action on the contract during Tuesday’s meeting, indicating that further discussion is expected before a decision is made. City officials said they are committed to ensuring that the study provides valuable insights while balancing cost-effectiveness and practical implementation.
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