Kingsport Aquatic Center dives into $1.5M renovations in September

KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Aquatic Center is anticipated to see $1.5 million in infrastructure upgrades over the next six months. A news release states visitors to the center will see an impact to regular operations starting Sept. 5 — which is when the Indoors Pools are expected to close for draining ahead of the improvements. The Outdoor Water Park will remain open through Labor Day (Sept. 7) and then close for the project. During the shutdown, locker rooms will not be available. The Outdoor Lap Pool will be open 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday during the shutdown, with the exception of Sept. 14. According to the release, the schedule is subject to change and will be reevaluated weekly. On May 19, the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a resolution awarding a $1,504,350 bid to Southern Watershapes Inc. for the renovations. Improvements and upgrades included in the project were listed in the release as the following: New plaster, updated tile, edge treatments, guttering improvements and new filtration components for five pools Replacement and updates to chlorine lines and related mechanical components for pump room upgrades All main drains throughout the facility will receive new compliant drain covers New gel coat finish and updated structural paint for indoor slide Updates and improvements for Indoor splash pad spray features Updated paint and new plexiglass components for Outdoor leisure pool and play structure "All of these improvements are designed to enhance the guest experience while also protecting and extending the life of the facility's infrastructure," Kingsport Aquatic Center Manager Wendy Terrazas said in the release. "Our goal with this project is to minimize disruption to our users while continuing to uphold the high standards of our facility for years to come." Based on the agenda action form from the May 19 meeting, the indoor portion of the project is expected to be complete by Jan. 8, 2027, with the outdoor portion to be complete by Feb. 19, 2027. Background Since the Aquatic Center's pool plaster is now 13 years old, previous meeting agenda documents state the existing plaster is "at the end of its expected service life." BMA members approved an initial agreement for project design work at the Nov. 18, 2025, meeting. The resolution noted a $139,529 agreement with Thompson & Litton for professional architectural design services, bidding assistance and construction administration services related to the improvements. At the July 21 meeting, the BMA approved a resolution authorizing the city to issue up to $2,545,000 in general obligation capital outlay notes to finance multiple Aquatic Center capital improvement projects. Proceeds from the issuance are expected to be used to replaster pools and lazy river, scoreboard replacement, sprinkler system replacement and various other improvements at the Aquatic Center. Assistant City Manager Michael Borders told the Times News in May that debt from a financial institution will pay for the latest renovations; debt payments related to the Kingsport Aquatic Center will then be paid for through the Regional Sales Tax Fund. The facility saw regularly scheduled maintenance in 2024 — which included acid washing, recaulking, replacement of pool lights and other related work. At that time, multiple hollow areas were identified in the plaster. This renovation project cost roughly $500,000, based on previous reporting by the Times News. In 2019, the Aquatic Center saw its first major expansion with the addition of an outdoor pool, office suite and shaded pavilion with restrooms adjacent to the existing outdoor entrance. The Kingsport Aquatic Center is located at 1820 Meadowview Parkway.