Highlander Aquatic Complex closure and replacement
Summary
The $18 million pool replacement stays delayed a couple of years for budget reasons, and the city's only public pool just had a valve failure that flooded the pump room and pushed opening back six weeks. The mayor wants a costed plan brought back to the commission on patching the old pool to survive until the new one is built.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 4, 2026.
Impact analysis
Patch repairs to keep the old pool running will cost money, on top of the $18 million replacement being put off.
Swimmers, summer camps, and water-safety students will have a pool this season, though with reduced programming.
Families and camp kids face a shortened pool season and years more waiting for a modern facility.
Mentions & discussions (3)
BUDGET WORKSHOP - Aug 4, 2026
The Board of Finance wants the $23.5 million aquatic center pushed to 2029 and the $9.1 million downtown garage delayed. The aquatic center cost has ballooned from $18.1 million.
COMMISSION WORKSHOP - Jul 7, 2026
The pool is still closed — a replacement pump part is stuck in sourcing, swim lessons are limited, and summer camps can't use it. About $80,000 has gone into it this year. Mayor Freaney called the situation unacceptable and made the new aquatic complex her top Penny V priority.
COMMISSION WORKSHOP - May 5, 2026
The $18 million pool replacement stays delayed a couple of years for budget reasons, and the city's only public pool just had a valve failure that flooded the pump room and pushed opening back six weeks. The mayor wants a costed plan brought back to the commission on patching the old pool to survive until the new one is built.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Dunedin
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.