Group Trying to Bring Indoor Aquatic Center Into Fayette County

A group wanting to build an indoor aquatic center in Fayette County started a fundraising campaign.

“We’re in the beginning stages,” said KJ Toombs, chairwoman of Colorado Valley Aquatic Center.

Toombs said she and a group of fellow parents with children in swim programs have been trying to get an aquatic center built for several years.

“We’ve been having to go to Camp Lone Star for swim meets,” she said. “The (La Grange) city pool went down this year. The Schulenburg pool went down. The schools have to drive to Brenham (to the Blue Bell Aquatic Center). The southern schools have to go to Victoria. There are no big swimming pools in the area. And so many schools are building swim teams.”

The UIL swim season for high school athletes takes place in the winter time, and none of the schools in the area have an indoor, heated pool.

“We’re trying to build an aquatic center that could handle four schools practicing at one time,” Toombs said.

In addition, the group wants to offer water aerobics and therapy to the general public, along with a recreational pool.

“That’s the main goal for right now,” Toombs said. “But we’re also talking of expanding to offer EMS and first responder training because of the Colorado River. There’s no training facility nearby.”

If they’re able to build the aquatic center, Toombs said her group wants to offer free swimming lessons to every third grade student in the area.

“With us being on a river, that’s huge,” she said.

Toombs said the aquatic center would serve not just Fayette County, but surrounding counties as well.

Second Chance Emporium recently made a $10,000 donation to the Colorado Valley Aquatic Center. Toombs said her group is seeking additional donations from other local organizations.

“We’re going to be applying for grants as well,” she said. “We’re starting to look for land. We don’t have the money to do that yet. But if somebody has 10 or 15 acres they’re wanting to donate to the project, we’re happy to accept that.

“Our town (La Grange) has lost the movie theater, the bowling alley, and now the City Pool,” she added. “I want to be able to provide something for the whole family to have a place to be safe and be together.”

Toombs estimated the cost to build an aquatic center at $30 to $35 million.

“It’s going to be expensive,” she said. “We’re hoping to get the indoor facility built first, the an outdoor facility. Ideally, we’d be able to host swim competitions, training, and all sorts things to help everyone in our community.”

Toombs said the Colorado Valley Aquatic Center has partnered with the Fayette Community Foundation for their fundraising efforts.

“FCF’s established reputation and rigorous standards for financial stewardship provide an additional layer of trust and accountability,” Toombs said. “This collaboration allows us to focus more on our programs and services, knowing that the financial aspects are in expert hands. By leveraging this partnership, we can maximize the impact of every dollar you contribute, directly supporting our mission and benefiting those in need.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so online by visiting https://faycofoundation.fcsuite. com/erp/donate/create/ fund?funit_id=1528.