WILLIAMSBURG — On Tuesday evening, the James City County Board of Supervisors approved a new deal which allows the Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex (WISC) to lease its pool building to 757swim.
“We really see a vision where this is an aquatics hub within the community, something that’s thriving and that really gives back to the residents,” said Shannon Hartig, president of the board of 757swim, adding that they want to provide as much community access as possible.
In 1999, the WISC entered into a “ground lease” with the county to establish its first building, according to the county’s resolution. In 2016, the existing lease was amended for the WISC to add two acres to their sports complex in order to build a new pool.
The WISC and 757swim requested that the county amend the deal, which allows for 757swim to lease the building. However, this move required an amendment of the existing WISC lease and then the creation of a new lease for 757swim.
County Attorney Adam Kinsman recommended the Board of Supervisors adopt a revised resolution, which would change the current lease from ten years followed by two five-year renewals, to a straight 20-year lease.
At the end of the new 20-year lease, the building and its equipment would belong to the county, who could then choose to extend the lease.
James McCormick, 757swim treasurer and current Warhill High School swim coach, said the facility could be further transformed to a complete aquatic center. He said that these transformations would allow the facility to meet the needs of all of the community members, particularly local high school swim teams.
“Anything we can do to improve the facilities available to our student athletes should be viewed as positive,” McCormick said. “This community has long-awaited additional pool options and availability throughout the years, and I believe now we need to make every effort to maximize the potential within our community’s most recent aquatic facility.”
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CHECK OUT THESE STORIES:
