The Denison City Council decided Monday to remove the existing structure at Waterloo Pool, the 1960s-era swimming pool that has been closed since August.
Multiple outside contractors have looked over the pool and recommended taking out its existing infrastructure, KXII reported. The city estimates removal will cost about $250,000 and plans to pay for it with insurance money.
Monday's agenda listed two closed-session items on the subject: the inspection of a recreational facility and a potential agreement with Austin College.
Where swimmers go next
Under an agreement with Austin College in Sherman, Waterloo Pool patrons will get free use of the college's indoor pool on weekdays from 9 to 11 a.m., according to the city's statement as reported by KXII. That access will not begin until Austin College has enough lifeguards to cover the extra hours and demand.
The city plans to announce a start date when enough lifeguards are hired, and the schedule will track the college's campus calendar. Each swimmer must sign a college waiver before getting in the water. KTEN reported that the college will hire its own lifeguards to supervise.
"We understand how difficult this transition has been for our swimmers, families and longtime Waterloo Pool patrons," Mayor Robert Crawley said in the statement. He said the city is committed to weighing its options for aquatics but "may not have every answer today."
