Fayetteville Residents Weigh In on Aquatic Recreation Center Bond

City Council member raises concerns over cost, while campaign group supports the project

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Fayetteville residents are debating the upcoming vote on Bond 2026 Question #8, which would allocate funds from a one-cent sales tax towards building a new $61.9 million aquatic recreation center in the city. City Council member Sarah Moore expresses concerns over the high operating costs and potential for cost overruns, while George Shelton of the "Build Fayetteville Future Campaign" argues the center would benefit the community and bring in revenue from swim meets.

Why it matters

The proposed aquatic center is a major infrastructure project that would impact Fayetteville's budget and community amenities. Residents are weighing the potential benefits against the financial implications as they prepare to vote on the bond measure.

The details

The feasibility study commissioned by the city recommended locating the aquatic center at the Lewis Soccer Complex, which City Council member Sarah Moore says provides important green space and recreation for low-income families. Moore is concerned about the $2 million annual operating costs and potential for cost overruns based on the city's past bond project challenges. However, George Shelton of the "Build Fayetteville Future Campaign" believes the center will attract visitors and generate revenue through swim meets to help pay down the bond debt.

  • Fayetteville residents will vote on Bond 2026 Question #8 on March 3, 2026.
  • The feasibility study for the aquatic center was recently commissioned by the city.

The players

Sarah Moore

Fayetteville City Council member who has concerns about the high cost and operating budget of the proposed aquatic center.

George Shelton

Member of the "Build Fayetteville Future Campaign" who supports the aquatic center and believes it will benefit the community and generate revenue.

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What they’re saying

“We you know need things that are low barrier for our community members to be able to do. There are a lot of wellness benefits to this. You know my concern is just because of the scale of the project and how it's come together.”

— Sarah Moore, City of Fayetteville City Council Member (nwahomepage.com)

“This is a facility that's estimated to cost us $2 million a year to operate. And we're talking about it eating into our budget by anywhere from $600,000 to $1 million a year.”

— Sarah Moore, City of Fayetteville City Council Member (nwahomepage.com)

“It is not only going to be something that people here in Fayetteville can enjoy all year round, but it will also bring swim meets to our community so that people will come from other towns to pay sales tax and help pay down all nine bond initiatives.”

— George Shelton, member of the Build Fayetteville Future Campaign (nwahomepage.com)

What’s next

The Fayetteville City Council will need to finalize the location of the proposed aquatic center if the bond measure passes.

The takeaway

The debate over the aquatic center bond highlights the tradeoffs Fayetteville residents are weighing between the potential community benefits and the significant financial commitment required. The outcome of the vote will shape the city's infrastructure priorities and budget for years to come.