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El Paso Faces Pool Closures and Rising Costs Amid Aquatic Facility Overhaul

El Paso Matters•Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM•Elida S. Perez

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El Paso's Veterans Aquatic Center has been closed for repairs since June 2025 and is not expected to reopen until fall 2026, impacting local swim teams like the Sea Devils. This closure comes as the city grapples with rising operational costs for its aquatic facilities, which have increased by 178% over the past decade, leading to a significant budget shortfall. The City Council has approved a new lease for a city pool previously managed by the YMCA, but uncertainties remain about its operation before summer. A new parks master plan is in development to address the future of swimming facilities in the city, with a focus on creating multi-generational aquatic centers that can sustain themselves financially.

Key Details: • Veterans Aquatic Center closed for repairs; expected reopening in fall 2026. • City Council approved a new lease for a city pool; YMCA lease ends May 15. • Aquatic operating costs have risen from $1.7 million to $5.3 million in the past decade. • Attendance at city pools increased from 220,000 in 2021 to nearly 690,000 in 2025.

city-council community budget swimming aquatics

People & Organizations

City CouncilRobert CortinasDestination El PasoVeterans ParkYMCA of El PasoCamp Cohen Water ParkEvone RosalesBen FyffeNations Tobin Outdoor PoolGrandview Aquatic Center

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