Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson said a new county aquatic center would be a “tremendous achievement.” (Arthur Mack/Call News)
By ARTHUR L. MACK
MOBILE — The Mobile County Commission will vote Monday on a $23.1 million bid to build the Mobile County Aquatic Center.
If approved, Persons Services Corp. would receive $19 million from the county plus an additional $3.5 million from the City of Mobile and the Mobile County Public School System. The announcement was made during the county commission’s work session on Thursday.
“It’s 12 to 18 months for the work to be completed,” said Commissioner Connie Hudson, who has been at the forefront of the project. “For the community, it’s a tremendous achievement. We have so much interest in this area in competitive swimming. We have people who are interested in recreational swimming and interest in people who are training for lifeguard duties and scuba diving. … This will meet the needs of the community.”
Phase I, which commissioners are expected to approve on Monday, will allow work to begin on a 50-meter outdoor pool, including dive wells, and an indoor portion that will serve as an instructional warmup pool. There will also be lockers and restrooms. Groundbreaking is anticipated for September.
Phase II, which includes a 25-meter pool, is in the process of getting $8 million to $10 million in funding, Hudson said.
“This is a huge investment for sports tourism,” Mobile Sports Authority Executive Director Danny Corte said. “We have been missing out on some of the larger swim meets over the years because of our facilities.”
