Justin Caraway For Garland

During a special June 6 budget workshop to begin discussions on the City's financial outlook and upcoming Fiscal Year 2026-27 operating budget, the Garland City Council received a preliminary proposal to decommission the Bradfield Recreation Center and Bradfield Pool.

Recognizing that these facilities have served generations of Garland residents and remain an important part of many families' memories and experiences, Council recommended further discussion and directed the City Manager to include the potential closure in the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 operating budget. This consensus reached during the budget workshop does not constitute an official vote of the Council but rather provides direction to staff for further evaluation and budget development.

Scheduled to be formally presented at the July 6 City Council Work Session, the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget will be considered during several meetings and workshops throughout July and August. Residents are encouraged to attend and share their perspectives with Council.

It’s important to note that no final decisions have been made and that the Bradfield Recreation Center remains open, operating with normal hours. Bradfield Pool is currently closed due to an electrical motor failure, but repairs are underway and the pool will reopen as soon as the repairs are complete.

The City also wants residents to know that the proposal to potentially close Bradfield Recreation Center and Pool did not come lightly. Built in 1975, these facilities are more than 50 years old and require significant investment beyond routine maintenance to address aging infrastructure, accessibility requirements and building systems that have reached their end of life.

Staff estimates that at least $2.2 million to replace critical equipment and improve the condition of the facilities would be required just to keep them running in the near term, and even that spending would only delay, not prevent, an eventual closure. This is in addition to the annual cost to operate the Bradfield Recreation Center and Pool, which is estimated at nearly $650,000. Because the building and swimming pool facilities themselves are at the end of their useful life, ongoing maintenance and repairs would extend their service for a time but would not change the long-term outcome, and additional major investments would still be required down the road.

This proposal is just one piece of the City's broader budget discussion. If ultimately approved by City Council, no closure date has been determined, and additional planning and public discussion would occur before any changes are implemented. Those conversations would also consider the future of the site, like keeping ballfields operational.

The City is committed to maintaining an open and transparent process as Council works to balance budget priorities and fiscal constraints with the needs of the community, long-term investments and the ability to sustain core City services.

Opportunities for public comment include:

- Work Sessions June 15, July 6, July 20, Aug. 3 and Aug. 17
- Regular Meetings June 16, July 7, July 21 and Aug. 4
- Budget Workshop July 25

To watch a recorded video of the June 6 budget workshop, visit https://garlandtx.new.swagit.com/videos/390248?ts=17181.

Bradfield Recreation Center and Bradfield Pool History

1975 – Bradfield Recreation Center opens
1975 – Inaugural swim season at Bradfield Pool
1980 – Addition of a gymnasium at Bradfield Recreation Center
1990 – Replacement of pool circulation and filtration valves and piping
2006 – Renovation of pool circulation and filtration mechanical system; reconstruction of new main drains in pool floor; new piping between the drains; new filters, pumps and electrical
2009 – Renovation of 50-meter swimming pool to add stainless steel skim gutters and piping; addition of water play features including 22-foot double-spiral water slides and a splash pad; renovation of front entrance and ticketing; addition of a group picnic pavilion, shade umbrellas and site lighting at turf beach areas; bath house improvements including mechanical systems, plumbing, partitions and drinking fountains
2011 – Major renovation of Bradfield Recreation Center and gym
2016 – Replacement of swimming pool wall and floor surfaces with aggregate quartz coating; replacement of pool expansion joint
2021 – Replacement of pool filtration system
2022-23 – Concrete repairs and exterior fence replacement; new UV pool filter and pumps; bath house improvements including painting and upgraded fixtures
2025 – Replacement of pool chemical tank; leak repairs

Parks & Recreation Facilities in the Surrounding Area

< 2 Miles – Downtown Garland Square Splash Pad, 520 W. State St.
< 3 Miles – Gale Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road
< 3 Miles – Embree Park Splash Pad, 1515 Dairy Road
< 3 Miles – Granger Recreation Center, 1310 W. Avenue F
< 3 Miles – Garland ISD Natatorium, 2585 Firewheel Parkway
< 4 Miles – Holford Recreation & Aquatic Center, 2314 Homestead Place

Garland Cultural Arts Garland Cultural Arts invites you to fun and exciting cultural arts events in Garland, TX.

Bradfield Pool is closed due to a broken motor. The part is on order and we hope to be up and running as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience. Stay tuned for updates. While you are waiting, check out Holford Pool and Surf & Swim to cool down. For times and prices check out SwimGarland.com.

Having the conversation of closing Bradfield Recreation Center and pool was one of the most difficult talks we have faced as a City Council. These facilities have served generations of Garland families and hold a special place in our community’s history.

However, after careful review of the facility’s condition, ongoing maintenance needs, operational costs, and long-term capital requirements, it became clear that continuing to invest in aging infrastructure is no longer the most responsible use of taxpayer dollars. The cost of repairs and upgrades necessary to keep the facilities safe, reliable, and compliant would require significant investment that must be balanced against other critical city needs. Similar discussions about aging recreation facilities and pools often center on the growing costs of maintenance, staffing, and modernization.

This discussion was not had lightly. We understand the impact it will have on residents who have used these facilities for recreation, fitness, youth programs, and community gatherings. Our commitment moving forward is to ensure that residents continue to have access to quality recreational opportunities and that we invest in facilities and services that can best serve our community for years to come.

While this chapter is difficult, our responsibility as elected officials is to make decisions that are financially sustainable, prioritize public safety, and position Garland for a stronger future. I appreciate the residents who have shared their concerns and memories, and I want you to know that your voices can be heard throughout this process.

As the representative for District 2, I recognize the deep emotional connection many families have to Bradfield. I share that sentiment, and this conversation was had only after considering what is best for both today’s residents and future generations of Garland.

Active construction in our district includes:

W. Avenue F (limits – Glenbrook Drive to 12th Street)
S. Tenth Street (limits – Avenue A to Main Street)
Both of these are street rehabilitation projects and should be completed within the next 2 weeks.