In partnership, Fremont County School District #1 and the City of Lander are issuing this joint statement regarding the long-term sustainability of the Bruce Gresly Aquatic Center.
As many community members are aware, Wyoming’s new educational funding model created significant financial challenges for school districts across the state. The funding changes impact school operations, facilities, and programs, including the Bruce Gresly Aquatic Center.
This spring, FCSD #1 convened a collaborative meeting with the City of Lander, local legislators, the pool manager, Lander District Recreation Board, FCSD #1 School Board members, Lander Swim Club, and Lander Community Foundation to discuss the current status and future of the facility. The discussion was productive and highlighted the challenges facing the facility and the need for coordinated short-term and long-term solutions.
The Bruce Gresly Aquatic Center is currently managed and operated by FCSD #1. As discussions continue, immediate operational strategies are being evaluated to help stabilize pool operations and sustain the facility for the near term. In response to ongoing budget shortfalls, the district is evaluating a variety of operational adjustments designed to help sustain pool operations for the near term. Options include potential increases to user and facility rental fees, staffing adjustments, reductions in operating hours, and modifications to services. While no final decisions have been made, these efforts are intended to help preserve this important community asset and ensure the pool remains available for residents, students, and visitors. Any approved changes would take effect no sooner than July 1, 2026. FCSD #1 has no plans to eliminate or limit pool access for its girls and boys swim teams.
FCSD #1 recognizes the important role the facility plays in serving students, Lander families, and the broader community. FCSD #1, City of Lander, and community partners remain committed to doing everything possible to preserve pool access while long-term solutions are explored.
While these measures will reduce some operational deficits, they cannot fully resolve the long-term funding challenges of maintaining the facility. Operating the pool in its current form is not financially sustainable for the school district alone, and long-term success will require collaboration and support from the broader community.
As a temporary measure, the school district recently approved a resolution, which allocates a portion of funds to help support pool operations for approximately one year. While this action provides time to explore sustainable options, it is not a permanent solution. A combination of partnerships, operational efficiencies, and sustainable funding sources will be necessary to ensure continued pool operations.
Future discussions will also continue with the Lander District Recreation Board regarding its potential role in helping support ongoing pool operations and funding.
In addition, the City of Lander has recently received a grant from the LOR Foundation to fund a comprehensive feasibility study. The study will evaluate operational efficiencies within the current facility, gather community feedback through focus groups, compare the costs of maintaining the existing pool versus constructing a new facility, and assess the community’s willingness to financially support and sustain a public aquatic center in the future.
FCSD #1 and the City of Lander remain committed to working together to identify sustainable solutions that preserve access to aquatic recreation and educational opportunities for years to come. The partnership between these two entities continues to play a vital role in supporting recreation opportunities and quality of life within our community. Together, we share many facilities and public spaces that benefit both students and residents, and we remain dedicated to maintaining those shared community assets.
Community involvement and partnership will play a critical role in shaping the future of the pool and recreation opportunities in Lander. Community members interested in participating in future focus groups and community discussions related to the pool and recreation are encouraged to contact Anne Even at aeven [at] landerwy.gov (aeven[at]landerwy[dot]gov) to be added to a contact list for future outreach and engagement opportunities.