Stakeholders for the Cobre Valley Regional Aquatic Center met Friday, Nov. 13 to discuss the current situation behind building the proposed aquatic center. This was the first time all the stakeholders met at the same time to go over future possibilities and recent setbacks.  

Originally formed in 2014, a Task Force consisting of local business associates and government entities took a hard look at what it would take to build a sustainable aquatic center for area residents. A site analysis, program development document, and market analysis were completed, and the Task Force quickly added new associates creating a more regional representation.  The now Cobre Valley Regional Aquatic Center Committee needed to find a way to pay for operations and maintenance of the aquatic center. The committee fought for three years in the Arizona Legislature trying to pass a bill to be able to bring the decision to the voters of the Globe-Miami area as to whether they would want to financially support the center through a small tax increase. All three bills failed at the legislature.  

Today after six years of extensive work the question of how to pay for operations and maintenance persists. Presentations have been made to the City of Globe, Town of Miami, and Gila County just before Covid-19 regarding a new strategy for the operations and maintenance costs of an aquatic center. “The CVRAC Committee felt that it was time we brought this project home where everyone understood the need for a regional pool that everyone could enjoy, from the very young to our senior population,” said Evelyn Vargas, Chairman of the CVRAC. At the high end, the operations and maintenance for the proposed aquatic center would be close to $645,000 annually with revenues estimated at $203,000. This would leave a deficit of about $442,000 per year. There is not an aquatic center that the CVRAC spoke to that generates enough money to cover the operation costs. The current proposal, put forth by the CVRAC committee, is that the Town of Miami, City of Globe, and Gila County (the taxpayers of our community) support this effort.  

The Town of Miami currently invests about $60,000 in operations and maintenance to run Hostetler pool for the Globe-Miami communities. The Aquatic Center proposal is that this money be shifted toward the aquatic center once all the pieces are in place. When the Aquatic Center was first presented to the Town of Miami in March, it was the consensus that the town would join in the effort. “The Town of Miami is undergoing a few changes with two new council members and a new town manager coming in, so currently we don’t know where we stand,” said Miami Mayor Sammy Gonzales. Mayor Gonzales also stated that he would like the CVRAC to present again to the new council and that the location was critical to the Town of Miami. It had to stay regional.  

At the time CVRAC presented to the City of Globe, they were waiting for the results of a study on the Globe Community Center Pool for the possibility of re-opening it. The results of that study showed that the pool would cost $850,000 to fix the structural damage and about $135,000 per year to maintain. This would not include the baby pool or any other structure around the pool. “It took us a while to get the final number of $850,000 and again that’s around the time Covid was starting,” said Globe Mayor Al Gameros. “This action was tabled and not discussed in this fiscal year. We probably won’t look into either option until fiscal year 2021.” City Manager Paul Jepson added, “Currently we do not have any methodology of how we will fund any option because of Covid.” Jepson also asked that the CVRAC present again to the Globe City Council when the time is right.  

Gila County Manager James Menlove spoke about the setbacks Covid has put on the resources of Gila County and the current priorities of infrastructure and basic, essential services. “You need to be aware that the county has not participated in what is known as a recreational facility. I believe that the Board of Supervisors would have to ask the people through a vote to increase taxes for this,” said Menlove. He suggested another try at the state legislature with the help of state lobbyists or more community involvement beyond the government entities supporting the weight of operations and maintenance costs. 

Another significant setback was revealed on Friday, Nov. 20 when Evelyn Vargas met with Maricela Solis de Kester of BHP to give the determination on the land opportunity north west of Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center. “I just want to let you know that we went through a process where our team is looking at some of their projects and some of their priorities and what the requests from the community are and so with the Aquatic Center, unfortunately we will not be able to donate the land,” said Solis de Kester. “There are competing priorities and so that is not going to work out. We want to remain engaged and remain active so there are other opportunities for us. When the time comes for fundraising, please reach out to us.”  

Despite recent setbacks, members of the CVRAC and the community at large remain hopeful that agreements can be made in the future to support this project. Piranaha Swim Team Coach Barry Schwenk added to the discussion by speaking about the challenges to find activities to really connect kids and said the whole aquatic center would be a great draw for families to live here. “When you give your community places to connect, places that are beneficial, it is a win-win for everyone. It also puts us on par with some of those other communities who have these types of activities,” said Schwenk. “It’s a huge draw and huge plus for a community like ours.”