by Nicole Bradford
Failing air handling systems in the recreation center natatorium are set to be replaced beginning this summer at a cost of a cool $2.17 million. But the work isn’t expected to be completed before a new water polo season begins.
Pearland City Council on Monday approved a contract to replace the air conditioning and de-humidifying systems at the natatorium.
“When we ended our agreement with Pearland ISD, they provided about $3.5 million as part of the conclusion of that relationship,” City Manager Trent Epperson said. “Now they operate basically as a tenant in the building, so we’re using the cash on hand for this project.”
After more than 13 years in continuous operation, the natatorium’s two existing units are failing, city staff reported, resulting in both costly repairs and causing poor indoor air quality and problems within the building.
Equipment is set to arrive in August, and installing the new air handlers is expected to take about six months.
The air system replacements plus other renovations at the natatorium will close the facility until late September, city staff said. The school district’s water polo program usually begins in August.
“We have been working with the school district as well as all of our other facility users to help find them additional space, so many of our users are going to be going to Alvin ISD pools and sharing space there during this time,” Parks and Recreation director Carry Capers said.
