(The Center Square) – Public backlash over Bossier City leaders’ decision to close the city’s only public pool prompted a reversal, as the council convened for a two-minute special meeting Tuesday to approve a public-private management agreement that would keep the facility open this summer.
Under the one-year, pilot agreement, the city will outsource daily operations and management of the pool to Rock Solid Athletic Club, while the city covers utilities and maintenance. A second reading and final vote is scheduled for May 12.
Bossier leaders announced the closure of Mike Wood Memorial Park swimming pool on April 27, citing costs, staffing, safety and declining attendance, and then reversed the decision eight days later.
It’s unclear how much annual operations cost, as the city administrator did not return The Center Square’s request for additional details.
In an April 27 press release, the city cited low attendance and hiring challenges as reasons to cease operations. A public records request for staffing levels and pool attendance will be fulfilled in 30 days, according to the city attorney’s office.
The city also noted “multiple incidents in recent years where staff were required to intervene to assist swimmers, underscoring the inherent risks involved.” The Center Square’s request for documentation to support the city’s “safety” concern would take “the calendar year,” the attorney said.
The city’s parks and recreation department lists a $4 million budget in 2025, about a 19% increase over the previous year. There are no line items for individual facilities. Based on revenue and expense data, the city subsidizes $3.5 million for parks and recreation, according to the budget.
The city would pay $25,000 this year to Rock Solid Athletic Group for managing the pool between May 30 – July 31, according to the contract. The contractor retains all admission and program fee revenue.
Municipal pools commonly cost between $100,000 – $300,000 to operate, according to research.
Last month, Mayor Tommy Chandler said the decision to close it was not made lightly but “our responsibility is to ensure we’re providing safe, sustainable recreational opportunities for our community. This decision allows us to invest in amenities that will serve more families, more consistently, while maintaining the highest level of safety.”
Social media responses were overwhelmingly negative, criticizing the council for not giving them an opportunity to voice their concerns at a public meeting before the decision was made. Others argued that public pools are essential for teaching children how to swim.
A former lifeguard told KTBS news that the pool was often so packed that people “couldn’t really swim.”
The mayor’s office announced on May 1 its decision to reverse the proposed closure. Chandler said, “This is about listening to our community and responding with a better plan. We know how important this pool is, and this partnership allows us to keep it open in a safer and more sustainable way.”
The city said its plan improves management of staffing and operations; provides better safety measures and reduced liability; and expands swim programming focussed on water safety and fitness programs.
Once the council gives its final approval, the pool is expected to open in early June, the city said.
