Board Approved $50 Million Dollars to Build the Aquatic Center

Henry County residents can envision themselves visiting the county’s first aquatic center in two years after commissioners approved a $50 million dollar contract for its construction. The new venue, to be located in McDonough, is part of the SPLOST V program.

The county originally budgeted $22 million for the indoor pool and outdoor water park. To pay for the difference, the county anticipates collecting additional tax revenue in 2024. The SPLOST V program spans collections from April 2020 to March 2025.

Aquatic Center Construction

Henry County solicited proposals in November for the new venue. The county received three proposals to build it. Staff then evaluated the proposals received. The board considered the results at the December 5 meeting.

The selected contractor, Integrated Construction and Nobility, Inc. of Carrolton, GA, offered a cost proposal of $50.2 million. The project’s pool builder is Aqua Design Systems, Inc. of Fayetteville, GA. Together, the two companies have extensive experience building aquatic centers. A recent example of their work is the Clayton County International Water Park.

Construction is planned to start in January 2024. It will take an estimated 18–24 months. The project is located at 1177 Henry Parkway Connector in McDonough.

Board members voted 5-1 to approve the project cost. Commissioner Wilson voted in opposition. He remarked the board should complete public safety and transportation projects first before approving additional funds for the aquatic center.

About the Venue

The aquatic center has two parts: an indoor venue and outdoor water park. The building features a 50-meter competition pool and therapy warm pool. The competition pool is intended not only so local swim teams have a place to practice, but also to attract competition swim meets. Outdoors there will be a zero-entry lazy river, activity pool and other water features / slides. Finally, there’s a rooftop terrace and two outside video screens. Site work includes two parking lots as well as a new road to serve the venue.

SPLOST V Collections

The Henry County SPLOST V program began collections in April 2020. At the time, the county estimated the program would collect $204 million over five years. Because of the current inflation, sales tax collections are above their original estimate. Henry County is on pace to collect the $204 million dollars in early 2024. The SPLOST V program was originally scheduled to expire in March 2025. During the next year, the county anticipates receiving extra collections.

Staff shared with the board on Tuesday they estimate the extra collections may be about $50 million dollars. From which, a large portion will then pay the $31 million dollars difference to pay for the aquatic center.

In October, the board approved construction for the North Mt. Carmel Recreation Center. The contractor’s cost was $15.5 million dollars. Similar to the aquatic center, $6.7 million from excess collections will likewise go towards this project.

It is likely other SPLOST V projects will need additional funds to complete them. Some SPLOST projects not yet under construction include the following:

• new fire stations in Ola and Eagle’s Landing,
• widening Rock Quarry Road and state route 81,
• the McDonough Parkway between SR 42 and 155,
• the Flippen Road extension, and
• two dirt road paving projects.

Many of the above projects should accept construction bids within the next few months.

Featured image shows an architectural rendering for the aquatic center. Henry County photo.

Correction: the original article mistakenly identified as the pool builder as Aquatic Design Systems. The error has since been corrected.