Keller ISD swimmers, parents criticize school leaders after Natatorium closed
After the Keller ISD Natatorium closed for the foreseeable future due to maintenance issues, the school district passed a budget amendment of around $2.1 million to address repairs and upgrades at the May 14 board meeting.
The district closed the indoor swimming facility at 1000 Bear Creek Parkway on May 12 due to safety concerns after the filtration system failed.
The cost for the new filtration system is $357,000. Other related costs are at least $1.6 million for a specialized air filtration unit.
At the meeting, numerous students, graduates and parents spoke about the value of the natatorium to school athletics and community activities.
Those parents and students are concerned about the length of the closure and why the building and equipment have not been a maintenance priority.
Board trustees Chris Coker and Heather Washington said that a change needs to happen in terms of cost-sharing among all the parties involved in the natatorium.
“So ultimately for me, I want to make sure that all the parties involved are putting their fair share and making this happen for the students and for the families,” Coker said. “I hope it can get done quickly, I believe it can get done quickly.”
Duncan Boyd, a freshman swimmer, said he was disappointed about what he says was negligence by the district to make timely repairs.
“My coach said the admins of the natatorium have complained numerous times about the condition the pool was in, and nothing was done except for a few visual touch-ups,” Boyd said. “When it got to the point that my eyes would burn without even getting in the water, I feel like it should have been a wake-up call.”
Jack Driscoll, a sophomore swimmer, said he was upset that the last week of practice was ruined by the closure.
“We have state and national champions as well as an Olympian among our ranks,” Driscoll said. “I’m immensely proud to be a member of this distinguished team, and I wanted to be just as proud of our natatorium. School boards and communities in the surrounding area have made it a priority to provide their students with the state of the art natatorium; they look like venues that have trained champions. If we are to be intentionally exceptional swimmers and divers we need to be properly equipped which requires money.”
The natatorium was built in 2003 with a pool that is 186 feet long and 75 feet wide.
Board members said they plan to work with city officials and local partners on coming up with a plan for swimmers during the closure.
In a post on social media, Mayor Armin Mizani said the city will be in talks with the district for a long-term solution.
“For clarity, KISD solely oversees the Natatorium, including its maintenance, operations and part replacements,” Mizani said. “This oversight stems from a long-term lease agreement entered into more than two decades ago when the building was constructed with TIRZ funds, which were contributed by every taxing entity in Tarrant County.”
Mayor-elect Ross McMullin said in a statement that he called a special meeting for May 22 to talk about the future of the facility and is working with local partners like the district, The Keller Pointe, Hidden Lakes HOA, Lakeside Aquatic Club, the GC Divers Association and Carroll ISD during the closure.
“The reality is that these critical repairs must be made, and the work will take most of the summer for Keller ISD to complete,” McMullin said in the statement. “The District is doing the right thing by taking action to ensure the well-being of all those who swim, dive, play water polo, and participate in the many activities held at the natatorium. Many more repairs will likely be required for the building in the near future, but this was a very important and necessary step for the school district’s leadership to take.”
The district said it expects that getting the new filtration system will take at least two to three months to be delivered and an additional 10 to 14 days for installation.