The City of Bossier City is moving forward with a plan to keep Mike Wood Pool open for the 2026 summer season through a new partnership with Rock Solid Athletic Club, Inc..
Mayor Tommy Chandler and Chief Administrative Officer Shane Cheatham recently met with Rock Solid Athletic Club, Inc. to develop an operational model that improves safety, strengthens staffing, and ensures long-term sustainability for the pool.
To advance the agreement, a Special City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, May 5, where the proposed partnership will be introduced for first reading and vote. A second reading and final vote is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12.
Under the proposed one-year agreement, Rock Solid Athletic Club, Inc. would manage daily operations, including staffing, lifeguard training, and facility oversight
“This is about listening to our community and responding with a better plan,” said Mayor Tommy Chandler. “We know how important this pool is, and this partnership allows us to keep it open in a safer and more sustainable way.”
The plan includes several key improvements:
- Professional management of staffing and operations
- Enhanced safety measures and reduced liability
- Affordable, standardized admission pricing
- Expanded swim programming focused on water safety
A major component of the initiative will be a new community swim program aimed at providing lessons to hundreds of residents this summer.
“This approach allows us to improve operations while reducing risk to the City,” said CAO Shane Cheatham. “It’s about doing this the right way and creating more opportunity for our residents.”
Council President Chris Smith added, “We appreciate the work that has gone into bringing forward a solution that addresses both the community’s concerns and the long-term sustainability of the pool.”
Pending final council approval, the City will host a press conference to formally announce the partnership, pool reopening, and new swim initiatives.
The Mike Wood Pool is expected to open in early June, pending approval.