A new aquatics center for Manteca could cost between $25 million and $30 million.

And that’s not including the land.

“With current budget challenges, a new pool complex is a distant goal, but we are exploring funding strategies to make that dream a reality for our residents,” noted Brandy Clark, the city’s recreation manager, in a post.

The existing pool in Lincoln Park on Powers Avenue was built in the early 1960s when Manteca had less than 10,000 residents.

Today, the city has surpassed a population of 91,000.

Clark noted with the heavy use for swim lessons, swim teams, and the addition of a water polo team, the limitations of the Lincoln Pool are significant.

The six-lane pool, with a depth of 3.5 to 5 feet, isn't suitable for water polo, and the high demand for swim lessons means the pool is fully booked from morning until evening during the summer months.

Feedback from residents reflect there are those in the community that would like to see a pool complex  with features to accommodate more swim lessons, team activities, lap swimming, and water polo.

Desired amenities include water attractions, a lazy river, locker room showers, and lighting for early morning and evening use.

 Enclosing the building for year-round activities has also been mentioned.

In 2018 when a consultant devised a conceptual plan for an aquatics center and community center with playing fields for soccer and such, they used a location bordering the Big League Dreams sports complex on the north.

While the land is city owned, it was made clear at the time that no decision had been made — nor since been —to pursue an aquatics center at that location.

Building the overall complex at the time  carried an estimated $80 million price tag.

Since then, the City Council via an agreement with Delicato Winery has identified 50 acres on the southeast of Union Road and Lovelace Road for Manteca’s next community park.

It would serve as a buffer between the winery and future residential development.

The city has not yet acquired the site.

There is $9 million currently sitting in the community park fee account Manteca fills with fees collected on each new residential building permit.

The property in question is worth roughly $5 million.

The landowner wants to sell.

But thanks to the city’s decision to protect the perceived interests of the community, the only entity that they can sell to is the City of Manteca.

The city needs to buy the property to fulfill its commitment to the winery.

When that happens, the Union Road location is likely to become the most logical location involving city land when it comes to building an aquatics center.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com