The Green Bay Parks and Recreation Commission on a recommendation vote approved a staff-recommended master plan and three-phase phasing plan for Joanne's Aquatic Center, directing staff to pursue design and future funding for phase 1.

The plan prioritizes maintenance and modest enhancements in phase 1 — including replastering the pool basin, rebuilding an obsolete gutter system and adding small play features and shade — at an estimated total cost of $2,250,000, including a 20% contingency. Phase 2 would replace the aging slides and stair towers; phase 3 would add larger attractions such as a lazy river and expanded play areas, with a phase-3 cost estimate of roughly $7,500,000.

Director (Parks Department) said the facility “is over 30 years old, and it's showing signs of wear and tear,” and explained the master plan grew from several neighborhood and public-input meetings and an online survey. He told the commission the city contracted a pool consultant to produce the concept and recommended phasing that addresses immediate needs first.

Why it matters: staff told commissioners that failing gutters and plaster could force a midseason shutdown if not addressed. The director said he would request $2.25 million in bond funding in the city’s 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to cover phase 1 needs, though the funding request was not made or approved at the meeting. The director said the pool’s mechanical-filter replacements and other short-term mechanical work are funded separately and are not duplicative of phase 1 work.

Details of phases and timing: phase 1 focuses on replastering and gutter replacement, upgraded seating and shade, small splash-play features, two basketball hoops and a short zip-line-style water entry. Phase 2 would fully replace the slide structures and stair towers; staff recommended deferring full slide replacement because a recently approved $75,000 repair package is expected to extend slide life about three to five years. Phase 3 would add higher‑cost attractions — a lazy river, inflatable trampoline, expanded interactive play, and new mechanical and restroom facilities — and would likely require separate mechanical systems, additional restrooms/showers, and significant new funding or fundraising.

Staff said phase 1 design would proceed after plan approval; a consultant would be hired to engineer the phase 1 work, with construction bid in the fall and typical fall construction timed to avoid interrupting the summer season. The director estimated a roughly one-year lag between securing funding and construction start for each major phase.

Commissioners’ response was broadly supportive. Alder Eck asked about overlapping work and was assured existing funded mechanical work would not be duplicated. Alder Croft, participating remotely, asked whether the 0-depth entry footprint would change; staff said the footprint would remain the same but would gain shade and a water-play table. Multiple commissioners praised the public-engagement process and the plan adjustments that reflected neighborhood input.

Next steps: the commission approved the master plan and phasing plan, enabling staff to proceed with engineering and to seek bond funding in the 2026 CIP for phase 1. The director emphasized that the vote was a recommendation to the Common Council; the council will consider funding and any bonding requests at future meetings.