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The city of Marshall recently completed the construction of The Splash, a new aquatic park for the region to enjoy. The project started in the spring of 2025 and due to high anticipation and expectations for the project, some answers to some common questions that we received before, during and most recently after completing this project:
Why did the city construct a new aquatic facility?
In 2018, the city conducted an assessment and study on the current facility. The study determined that the structures at the current facility are deteriorating, and many areas of the building do not meet the American with Disabilities Act. City staff have documented that the current lap/general-use pool and diving pool are currently losing water due to leaks at a rate of 12,000 to 15,000 gallons per day (1,080,000 to 1,350,000 gallons per summer based on a three-month use period). This is an extreme amount of water loss for a pool vessel.
Was there support for a new aquatic facility?
A special referendum ballot question on Nov. 7 of 2023 resulted in 66% approval by voters when asked the following question: Shall the City of Marshall be authorized to (a) extend a sales and use tax of one-half of one percent (0.50%) for the purpose of paying the costs of collecting and administering the tax and paying for the construction of a new municipal aquatic center in the City, plus associated bonding costs, including interest on any bonds, and (b) issue its general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $18,370,000, plus the cost of issuing the bonds, including interest on the bonds, to finance the construction of a new municipal aquatic center in the City?
How did the project change from what was originally proposed in 2023?
On Aug. 29, 2024, the city opened bids for the Marshall Aquatic Center project. Due to higher than estimated bids being received (approximately $6 million over the estimated budget), the City Council rejected the bids and gave authorization and direction to staff to explore construction management services for the aquatic center and pursue a complete re-design of the facility. This resulted in the lap pool being changed from an 8-land lap pool to 4-lanes, the separate mechanical building was combined with the concessions/ticketing building and overall, the site was compressed to reduce the amount of pool piping necessary to pump the water to the different pools. Despite these changes due to re-design, many new features are included in The Splash:
• Multipurpose 4-lane lap pool
• Zero-depth activity pool
• Leisure pool with leisure river and play features
• Fully updated, ADA accessible bath house
• Designated first aid area
• Slide complex
• Splash pad with multiple spray features
• Ample green space for family gathering
• Daily attendance increased from 665 to 913 bathers
• Total square footage of water increased overall
Why was the location of the pool changed?
By moving the location of the new aquatic facility, the current facility remained open for use while the new one was being constructed. In addition, the new aquatic facility will also be able to accommodate more features, better meet stormwater requirements and will be able to hold more users. There is also additional parking available at this site.
Why didn't the city build an indoor pool to be used year-round?
A well-designed outdoor family aquatic center will generate more revenue in 90-100 days than an indoor pool programmed for year-round use. Most aquatic users are recreational users who swim seasonally in the summer, and they prefer to swim outside in warmer water with a variety of water recreation features (slides, rivers, water play structures, etc.). Indoor pools are also two to three times more expensive to build and operate per square foot than outdoor seasonal pools.
What will happen to the old pool?
The city will oversee proper decommissioning of the site as well as discussing future park and recreational uses of the site.
Why is an aquatic center important for our community?
A community aquatic facility is beneficial because it is an attraction to perspective community members, promotes interaction and connection with children and families, and promotes a healthy lifestyle. In addition, swimming pools also increase safety in the community because swimming is not just exercise, it is a life-saving skill.
Who should we thank for making this project possible?
This project was made possible through the collaboration of many partners, including community members, donors, project committees, City staff, elected officials, our construction management team and by the voting members of the public who supported the sales tax referendum in 2023.
When will The Splash be open to the public?
A new aquatic center is a significant public investment. To recognize this, a ribbon-cutting has been scheduled for Tuesday starting at 10 a.m. A short program will feature speakers and tours will be given following the ribbon cutting. The Splash! will be open to the public for swimming starting at 12:30 p.m. on this same day. We hope to see you there.
-- Sharon Hanson is the city administrator for the city of Marshall