LV partners with YMCA on pool

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003 | 9:22 a.m.

The Bennett YMCA Outdoor Aquatic Center has been on the drawing board for more than a year and a half and it was approved for the budget nine months ago.

On Wednesday the Las Vegas City Council is expected to approve spending $1.25 million to build the swimming pool.

The Bennett YMCA already has an indoor pool. However, because the city is funding more than one-third the cost of the outdoor pool, it would be open to the public at a nominal fee and without a YMCA membership, city officials said.

On Wednesday's council agenda is a memorandum of understanding to pay for the design and part of the pre-construction and construction costs of the $3.5 million recreational facility across from the Meadows mall.

Mark Vincent, the city's finance and business services director, said that although there is a budget squeeze, the pool project is one that government officials made a priority last spring.

"All governments are facing similar struggles, but constituents still have to be served," Vincent said. "The Outdoor Aquatic Center was put on the capital budget in May for fiscal 2003 and predates the issues (of economic hard times.) Whether funds can be used elsewhere is an issue for the council.

"This is a good deal for the city because the YMCA will own and operate it, yet it will be open to the public at no maintenance costs to the city, which with things like heating for extended season use would be expensive."

Vincent said the Bennett YMCA's indoor pool is used mostly for swimming laps, but that the outdoor facility would serve a wider range of recreational uses.

The item is on the consent agenda, which means it is considered routine and can be approved without discussion in a single vote along with other items. If approved, the YMCA will get $350,000 immediately for the design. The rest of the money would be given when the final agreement is approved.