The Bill Walker Pool is a staple in the North East ISD community. Swimmers of all ages have been swimming laps, performing synchronized swimming routines and exercising with water aerobics since it opened in 1964. Decades of swim meets and community events eventually started to show through wear and tear in the facility. As a result, the District’s 2015 Bond Program allocated funds to give the Bill Walker Pool a complete facelift.
It took a year and a half of renovations and construction to get the multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art facility where it is today. The Bill Walker Pool now includes several new additions, including elevated bleacher seating for 750 spectators, upgraded locker rooms, restrooms and an enclosed physical connection with the nearby Josh Davis Natatorium on upper and lower levels.
While the facility upgrades look incredible on the surface, it’s also transformed into an elite-level competition pool. Reagan High School junior Morgan Bartley has been swimming competitively since she was 5 years old, and she says the Bill Walker Pool ranks among the best.
“I’ve been to the UT pool and it’s a lot like this one and that’s saying a lot because it’s a really high-level athletic training building that’s used by some really renowned athletes,” said Bartley. “It’s really great to have this new facility because competing here puts you in a different mindset. Swimming here raises the bar for everyone.”
The Bill Walker Pool is also the first Myrtha Pool System constructed in the greater San Antonio area. The pool design provides for a 50-meter long course and 25-yard short course supporting a variety of aquatics competitive events. In addition to student and community use, the facility will also be utilized for testing by JROTC cadets, H-E-B, police recruits and Texas game wardens.
The facility is named after former NEISD Aquatic Coordinator Bill Walker. He was present to help celebrate the grand opening on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, along with Churchill High School graduate and Olympian Josh Davis.
Bill Walker Pool at the North East Aquatic Center
