Two different management approaches for the new Aquatics & Recreation Center (ARC) in Macauan Park were presented: an outsourced management proposal from Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) and an in‑house plan from the city’s Parks & Recreation Department.

SFC representatives framed the outsourcing option as a way to accelerate programming, capture tournament and event revenue, and provide operational expertise and purchasing scale. SFC proposed workforce development, a local hiring commitment (60% DeSoto hires, 90% from the region), sponsorship and food‑and‑beverage strategies and a preopening investment plan. The firm offered monthly and annual reporting, a community access program for reduced‑ or no‑cost hours, and contractual safeguards that leave the city with budget control, pricing approval and final authority over community access and scheduling.

Parks & Recreation Director Chris Glover and staff presented the in‑house option that would operate the ARC as a municipal program, leveraging existing relationships with local swim clubs and community partners. Parks staff emphasized existing credentials — CAPRA accreditation, facility operator certifications, local partnerships and current program revenue of roughly $1.1 million from the existing rec center and seasonal pool — and argued for preserving community control and accessibility. Parks staff shared resident survey results showing strong satisfaction with current facilities and identified marketing and capacity as the primary gaps.

Why it matters: the decision will determine whether the city retains direct operational control and staffing or engages a private manager who would run day‑to‑day operations and seek event/ tournament business. Outsourcing proponents say it speeds market entry and unlocks sponsorship and event marketing resources; Parks leaders cited local hiring, institutional knowledge and community access as priorities that could be endangered if revenue targets override programming goals.

Council discussion focused on differences in pricing and membership assumptions, timing for hiring and preopening tasks, the contract termination/transition terms, and the need for transparent, monthly financial reporting. Council members asked SFC and Parks staff for clarified pro formas, historical financials for ThornTree (the municipal golf club) and the SFC presentation materials. The council asked staff to provide additional documentation for the next meeting so members can make an informed decision.

No formal contract or selection vote was taken at this meeting.