Longview City Council, ISD meet to discuss natatorium

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – What was a single group for all of Longview a few months ago could become three groups in a matter of a few years.

Stamper Park’s pool was approved in July and Longview ISD’s new outdoor natatorium was approved in May.

“I love swimming and I know that when it comes to parks, recreation and attractions for the city, we needed it. We really did it. I’m one of those who thinks: ‘If you build it, they will come.’ Well, we’re building it and everyone is coming, so it’s going to be a great thing for the Longview community,” said Michael Tubb, Longview ISD board president.

Both the city and school district said they want to work together to allow summer programs for the public.

The city’s concerns are related to maintenance, upkeep and cost.

“My fear is that as we all try to maintain a balanced budget, one of us will end up in deficit. So I just want us all to keep that in mind,” Councilwoman Michelle Gamboa said during the meeting.

One of the city’s main focuses was public access and the provision of public programs.

“Thinking about learn-to-swim programs, in partnership with Longview ISD and adding our other ISDs, Pine Tree, Spring Hill and Hallsville, thinking about how we could partner with them to offer swim lessons to all of our ISDs. “It’s a very exciting opportunity that we haven’t had in the past,” said Longview Mayor Kristen Ishihara.

Tubb said 20 acres were obtained for the complex and natatorium, on the location of a former Henderson home. The city will have to decide what to do with the house later in the design phase.

“We had some discussions about closing Airline or rerouting and linking those 20 acres to our existing main campus, but closing the highway was going to be too much logistics and it was also going to push the timelines back,” Tubb said.

The design phase is expected to last between 6 and 12 months. The natatorium is scheduled to begin construction in 2025, and the next meeting with a bond update is Nov. 11.

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