McKinney inches closer to opening aquatic recreational facility

by PegNews wire

MCKINNEY — An aquatic recreational facility has been in the works in McKinney for the past nine months, and the city is moving closer to making it a reality, according to city officials.

“Our quality of life board – McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC) – and McKinney citizens have been talking about the importance of an aquatic recreation facility since I have been a part of this community, and we are committed to making it a reality,” said City Manager Frank Ragan.

A consultant team hired in December 2008 is now preparing a recreation and aquatic master plan to define the program details like cost, how big the facility could be, what the features are and also what the facility would contain, with options ranging from a gym to an indoor/outdoor pool. They will also make recommendations on the location of the facility. The master plan will examine the needs for the community at the full build-out population and the plans for the years in the nearer future.

Plans include options for a diverse facility that could house not only competitive swimming events, but also a recreational center for families and swimmers at every level. Ragan points to partnerships with organizations across the city as the key to projects like this to benefit the entire community.

“We have a strong partnership working with the McKinney Independent School District for the benefit of students and in collaboration with the MCDC, which is focused on developing quality of life projects for our citizens,” said Ragan.

“Parks and recreational facilities, like an aquatic center, are part of the quality of life that make McKinney unique and draws new residents here in record numbers,” said Ray Eckenrode, MCDC Board Chair. “A new aquatic recreational center would benefit so many in McKinney, from the organized swimming groups to the beginners to families.”

City staff and the consultant group have held several public meetings for community input. The consultant group is made up of some of the leading experts in aquatic facilities. Counsilman Hunsaker specializes in aquatic facilities and has been involved in significant projects across the country. Brinkely-Sargent, the company that built the aquatic facilities in Plano and the Allen, also will be on hand for McKinney’s.

Source: City of McKinney