New Aquatic Center Will Not Be 'Burden To County'

RACINE COUNTY, WI — With the help of S.C. Johnson, Racine County is poised to make a huge splash in the Summer of 2018, with the introduction of a $6.5 million water park and aquatic center to be constructed at Pritchard Park.

But one question that has come up in recent days is how the operations of this new facility will impact the county's budget.

In speaking with Racine County Chief of Staff M.T. Boyle, Patch.com has learned that county officials project that the new aquatic center should "break even." Boyle stated that the YMCA's operations plan projects to break even between staffing and non-personnel operations costs when balanced with revenues.

She stated that the county would be setting aside money for maintenance projects.

Project Announced

Speaking before a packed Racine County Board Room on Thursday, County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, S.C. Johnson Chairman and CEO Fisk Johnson and Racine Family YMCA CEO Jeff Collen announced the project.

According to information released Thursday, the aquatic center will be funded by a $6.5 million donation by S.C. Johnson and will feature the following amenities:

• An 8-lane lap pool
• An activity pool
• Large waterslides
• A water play structure
• Rope Course
• Zero-depth pool for young children
• 4,800 square foot pool building with changing rooms

There will be 15,000 total square feet of water surface, and the center will hold 700 people at capacity. The pool building will also be home to a concession stand and shaded lounge areas.
Swim lessons, water fitness classes, and the opportunity to rent the facility for private events are all part of the plan, according to county officials.

Next Steps

The County has a project designer and architect, and will be issuing an RFP (request for proposal) in the process to solicit construction bids.

patch.com photos/submitted renderings