Crystal Cove Aquatic Center Project Turns Contentious
The Crystal City Council approved plans to remodel the lobby at Crystal Cove Aquatic Center this week after debate turned contentious.
At one point, Mayor Jim Adams called the discussion “ridiculous.”
Crystal Cove has been closed all year for repairs and upgrades.
The leaky pool basin is being replaced, along with the water slides and other amenities.
The entire project is estimated to cost $6.2 million. About $475,445 of that budget would go to updates for the lobby and service counter.
City officials said the Crystal Cove lobby and entrance building is out of date and doesn’t meet American Disability Act requirements.
As a result, a host of structural improvements, as well as a remodel are in the works.
Adams opposed the project, saying costs continue to rise. The city should address it in the future, he said.
“We’ve been way over my threshold of costs on this project for a very long time … this project drives me crazy, just drives me crazy,” he said. “I’ve never seen job creep like this in my life.”
The Crystal City Council approved plans to remodel the lobby at Crystal Cove Aquatic Park this week after debate turned contentious.
Other council members supported the rebuild.
“I got a tour of the pool building this past summer, and it is in, I would actually even say embarrassing shape,” said Council Member Taji Onesirosan.
At times, discussion between Council Member John Budziszewski and Adams became contentious.
“Well, you’re getting a free pool out of this,” Council Member John Budziszewski said. “Now you’re like, put the breaks on it.”
“A free pool? You’re out of your mind,” Adams responded.
The council ultimately voted 6-1 with Adams dissenting.
