John Marble Pool could be second year-round pool in Manatee County

MANATEE -- Manatee County may get a second year-round heated pool.

Officials are proposing to turn John H. Marble Pool, 3675 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton, from a seasonal pool into one open all year after necessary improvements are added.

G.T. Bray pool in Bradenton is the sole year-round heated pool in Manatee County.

"Marble Pool turned from something that was forgotten to something now very well-understood and remembered," said Charlie Hunsicker, county parks and natural resources director. "Here we are with an asset that could, with nominal improvements, be made into a reliever for the G.T. Bray facility and a full-time opportunity."

County officials estimate it would take $108,000 from the general fund to convert the pool to year-round operations. Additional revenue generated from the year-round operation would cover the remaining operating costs. The capital expenditure of $147,000 for the heater, lights and starting blocks could be paid with impact fees.

"It is an asset now in the center of the world relative to driving distances to east county, west county," Hunsicker said.

As the commission begins budget discussions next month, the proposed improvements to Marble Pool will be part of the discussion. County Administrator Ed Hunzeker said Tuesday he's "pretty sure" he will recommend funding for the pool.

"This is one of those assets that the county already owns," Hunzeker said.

The lack of a pool north of the Manatee River also was discussed during the work session.

"I think we all know we need more pools," Commission Chairwoman Vanessa Baugh said. "John Marble is a nice asset that we already own that we can work on."

A pool north of the Manatee River is "something that we need to move forward on as well," she added.

As the county works on the parks master plan, which will help plan future parks and recreation opportunities, pools in north county and east county may be proposed, Hunsicker said.

"There is room for this type of recreation activity," he said.

While turning the Marble Pool into a year-round operation is an immediate priority, county officials also propose future expansion and improvements such as a zero entry bathing area, shade structures, more picnic pavilions, a splash park, a new gymnasium, resurfacing the sports courts and athletic field/parking lot renovations.

"There is room for expansion and improvement even beyond year-round operation," Hunsicker said.

As the Lakewood Ranch YMCA decided to cancel a swim program earlier this month, it's displacing more swimmers in the county, said Danny Hopkins, the county's recreation division manager.

"We are very restricted in our lane space at G.T. Bray just because of the design of the pool," he said.

Hunsicker added: "With the loss of the Y pool in Lakewood Ranch, it's going to put some more pressure on all of us."

Ira Klein, with Sarasota Tsunami swim team, said officials need to provide Manatee County youth as much opportunity as they can.

"If we can get this pool up and running year round, you'd be amazed at what you can be able to do for the community," he said.

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter @Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 11:53 PM with the headline "John Marble Pool could be second year-round pool in Manatee County ."