By 1812Blockhouse
For the first time in years, Mansfield is taking formal steps toward bringing a public swimming pool back to the community. City officials have launched a feasibility study that will explore what a modern municipal aquatic facility could look like and whether it makes sense for Mansfield’s future.
Mayor Jodie Perry recently announced that the city has hired Counsilman-Hunsaker & Associates to lead a Public Pool Feasibility Study for Mansfield. The firm is widely regarded as one of North America’s leading aquatic facility consultants, working with municipalities, universities, school districts, and private developers on pool planning and design. The study will examine community need, potential designs, site options, and projected construction and operating costs for a future municipal pool.
A firm focused on aquatic facilities
Counsilman-Hunsaker specializes exclusively in swimming pools and aquatic facilities, offering planning, engineering, and operational consulting services across the full life cycle of a project.
The company often describes its approach as “full circle,” meaning it can assist communities from the earliest planning conversations through long-term facility operations. Its services include physical and engineering audits of existing pools and systems, feasibility studies, and aquatic master planning. The firm also prepares architectural and engineering designs, construction drawings, and technical documents needed to build aquatic facilities.
Beyond design, the company frequently assists communities during construction through project management and construction administration. After facilities open, it can also provide operational consulting related to risk management, staff training, regulatory compliance, and financial modeling for revenue and expenses.
The firm also developed HydroApps™, a cloud-based platform used by some facilities for scheduling, maintenance tracking, and digital operations management.
Residents invited to weigh in
Community input will be a central part of the feasibility process. A public open house is scheduled for Monday, March 30, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the North Lake Pavilion. Residents will be able to learn about the study, ask questions, and share ideas about what they would like to see in a future public aquatic facility.
Earlier that day, the consulting team will meet with a steering committee and stakeholder groups that include youth representatives, neighborhood leaders, and educators.
Potential sites under consideration
The feasibility study will examine possible locations around the city for a future pool. In earlier announcements, Mayor Perry mentioned the West Park Shopping Center area as one potential site that could be evaluated as part of the study. Consultants will consider factors such as available land, accessibility, parking, and neighborhood impacts when reviewing potential locations.
Looking back and looking forward
Mansfield has not had a public pool since the Liberty Park pool closed after becoming too costly to operate and no longer meeting modern codes and standards. That closure left the city without a municipal swimming facility, prompting periodic discussion over the years about whether a new pool could realistically return.
City officials say the feasibility study is intended to answer that question with data, community input, and a clear understanding of both construction and long-term operating costs.
Part of a broader parks strategy
The discussion comes as Mansfield continues investing in its park system. The city maintains 21 neighborhood parks and has undertaken a number of recent improvements across those spaces. Officials say exploring a new pool is part of a broader effort to expand recreation opportunities and strengthen Mansfield’s parks and amenities.
For many residents, the possibility of a new municipal pool also carries a sense of nostalgia. Public pools once served as summer gathering places where families and neighborhood kids spent long afternoons cooling off together.
How residents can participate
Residents who cannot attend the March 30 open house are still encouraged to share their input. The city is directing community members to contact the Mansfield City Parks Office to ask questions or submit comments related to the aquatics planning process. The feasibility study will help determine whether Mansfield can move forward with a new public pool and what form such a facility might take if the project advances.
