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Aquatic Donation:
Downtown Aquatics Center Receives $250,000 Donation from the McMurtrey Family

During a special news conference held on Wednesday, March 13, 2003, the City of Bakersfield and the Bakersfield Aquatic Center Fundraising Committee announced that a donation in the amount of $250,000 has been donated to the new downtown aquatics center.

Long time local residents, the McMurtrey family, have made the very generous contribution to the aquatics project.  Don McMurtrey, spokesperson for the family, stated that they want the complex to be a state-of-the-art facility for the community.  The family also has a special interest in providing funds for the equipment that will be needed for school swim competitions and other related activities.  The new complex will be known as the McMurtrey Aquatic Center.

Before approving the aquatics center in October 2002, the City Council carefully considered the financial aspects of the project and the needs of the community.  The major source of construction funding will be provided by special purpose grant monies and the majority of the operating costs will be offset by new revenues and the closure of several older pools.     

The multi-use facility, which will include a 50 meter pool and a water park, is intended to serve both recreational and competitive users.  It will be located south of the Centennial Garden and Convention Center.  Construction is expected to begin in May.       

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