The 2015 Bond Program included funding to replace the BAC Walker Pool Facility. This design provided for construction of the following program elements: (1) demolition and full replacement of the existing building structure over the pool area with a new metal building; and (2) demolition and full replacement of the existing pool support facilities with a new 2-story facility, including: administrative area, coaches’ offices, wet classroom/ team room, athletic locker and dressing rooms (with public access/use), public restrooms, elevated bleacher seating (750 capacity), general pool storage area, mechanical-electrical-plumbing/custodial support areas, and an enclosed physical connection with the Josh Davis Natatorium on both levels. The overall design program for this project consisted of 44,995 sq. ft., with 29,920 sq. ft. for the pool swimming area metal building structure and 15,075 sq. ft. for the pool support facilities. Widening of the existing in-ground concrete pool by 5 yards and conversion of the concrete pool shell to a “Myrtha RenovAction System” were both included in the design as an accepted project bid alternate. This is the 1st 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.

Planning Estimate1: $14,250,000

Start Date: November 2017

End Date: April 2019

Architect: Marmon Mok

General Contractor: Byrne Construction Services

Pictures: Aerial/Architectural

1 The Bond Planning Estimate represents the original bond program costs developed during the bond planning meetings for each project and includes: Design Fees, Construction Costs, Technology Equipment and Installation, Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment and Construction Management Costs. The School Board "approved" construction budget can be found in the project Bid Award Agenda Item and represents any/all changes to the project resulting from the design development process and/or construction marketplace and inflation costs.

The 2015 Bond provided for construction of the following program elements at the Josh Davis Natatorium Facility: (1) install an HVAC/dehumidification system in the main pool area and lobby; (2) replace the existing HVAC system serving the office areas, classroom, weight room, locker rooms, and timers’ booth; (3) infill the existing roll-up doors with a translucent wall system; (4) install a new interior storefront system with doors at the natatorium main entry lobby; (5) install LED lighting in the main pool area; (6) replace the existing men’s and women’s pool lockers; (7) replace the existing pool boiler with a new energy-efficient system; (8) provide selective interior painting; and (9) upgrade the facility fire alarm system. Additionally, a project bid alternate is included to relocate existing utilities servicing the Josh Davis Natatorium to support the follow-on BAC Walker Pool Replacement Project.

Planning Estimate1: $2,500,000

Start Date: June 2017

End Date: January 2018

Architect: Marmon Mok

General Contractor: Journeyman Construction, Inc.

Pictures: Aerial/Architectural

Bill Walker Pool roofing Project

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