LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – What was one pool for all of Longview just a few months ago could become three pools in a few years.

The Stamper Park pool was approved in July, and the new Longview ISD outdoor spa was approved in May.

“I love swimming and I know we need it when it comes to parks, entertainment venues and tourist attractions in the city. We really did. I’m one of those people who think, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ “We’re building this and everyone is coming, so it’s going to be a great thing for the Longview community,” Longview ISD Board President Michael Tubb said.

Both the city and school district said they want to work together to allow summer programs for the public.

The city’s concerns relate to maintenance, upkeep and cost.

“My fear is that while we are all trying to maintain a balanced budget, one of us will run a budget deficit. So I want us all to keep that in mind,” city council member Michelle Gamboa said during the meeting.

One of the city’s main focuses was public outreach and the provision of public programs.

“Thinking about learn-to-swim programs in partnership with Longview ISD and adding our other ISDs, Pine Tree, Spring Hill and Hallsville — thinking about how we can partner with them to offer swim lessons to all of our ISDs,” Longview Mayor Kristen Ishihara said in the past. “It’s a very exciting opportunity that we haven’t had,” he said.

Tubb said 20 acres have been acquired for the complex and natatorium on the site of a former Henderson home. The city will then need to decide what to do with the house during the design phase.

“We had some discussions about whether to close the skyway or realign the route and connect those 20 acres to our existing main campus, but closing the road would require some extra logistics and would also force progress timelines back,” Tubb said.

The design phase is expected to take 6 to 12 months. The Natatorium is scheduled to break ground in 2025, and the next meeting to update the bonds will be on November 11.

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