With city pools being shut down in the summer of 2024, many Lubbock residents, especially during these hot summer days, are wondering when, or if, the pools will reopen.
EverythingLubbock.com attempted to contact each city councilmember with pools in their district, as well as Mayor McBrayer, via phone. The mayor declined to comment, and we were later informed that the City Council did not have a statement either.
However, Councilwoman Christy Martinez did return a call. She said that while the city understands residents’ concerns and appreciates their interest, there is only so much that can be done at this time.
Martinez has suggested the idea of a Quality of Life bond, that has not been officially proposed, but could potentially be the answer to new city pools in the near future. Martinez explained that a quality of life bond is what funded community centers and pools back in the 70s.
“They are 78-year-old pools,” councilmember Martinez said, explaining the city pools were in bad shape and needed extensive renovations. She emphasized that if new pools are opened in the future, she wants it to be a long-term solution not a temporary fix. Ideally, the facilities would be open year-round, not only two months a year.
While opinions vary on splash pads, they remain a free way to cool off on Lubbock’s hot summer days. Martinez noted splash pads are being used and enjoyed by many residents, not just children, and emphasized that they are free to use.. She added that city data from the past seven years shows low attendance at the pools when they were open.
“People weren’t coming,” Martinez said. But she added that in the future, “If you’re willing to pay more for those services we’ll be glad to oblige.”
Martinez explained budget constraints were also playing a role.
EverythingLubbock.com reported in July that with sales tax revenues coming in lower than expected, Lubbock city leaders have enacted a hiring freeze, delayed some projects and are now facing an estimated $5 million shortfall in the general fund.
Martinez stressed that the city must, “prioritize dollars and services that are ever encompassing the public, we have to focus on that first.”
The city of Lubbock continues to encourage residents to seek out the fun and free events its offers.
EverythingLubbock.com reached out a final time to the Liaison to the Mayor and City Council via email but had not received a response at the time of this article.
