Highlander Park Aquatic Complex

Project Overview

The existing pool at Highlander Park has served the city well for over 50 years as a hub for water education, safety, and wellness. It has also supported the Dunedin High School swim team and hosted various events and gatherings. However, this beloved facility has exceeded its useful life and needs to be replaced.

The Dunedin City Commission has approved an innovative master plan for a new Aquatic Complex and the next steps to bring this project to the community. The city will continue working with Orlando-based design firm Borrelli + Partners to complete the design, permitting, and construction documents in the amount of $1,343,757.00.

The Parks & Recreation Department is currently working with Borelli + Partners and Martin Aquatic Design and Engineering to design the new aquatic complex, which will include amenities most requested by the community. Features will encompass a 25-meter by 25-yard competition pool with two diving boards, a zero-depth entry activity pool, two slides, a lazy river, a therapy pool, mechanical and filtration systems, picnic and shaded seating areas, a multi-purpose room available for rentals, as well as new administration, restroom, and concession buildings. The adjacent Kiwanis Sprayground will also be incorporated into the footprint of the master plan, alongside the facility’s beautiful oak tree canopy. The lazy river will be constructed later as funding becomes available.

The design is expected to be completed by late spring and will be certified through the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) to align with the city's DREAM sustainability goals. If approved, the project will be put out for construction bids, with a grand opening anticipated in the fall of 2026.

Project Budget

• Master Plan $86,000
• Design $1,245,418
• Borelli & Partners Construction MGMT/Other expenses $116,839
• Construction $9,884,468
• Construction Management $504,660
• RunBrook Consulting + FGBC Certification $15,000
• Total Estimated Costs $11,852,385

Funding Sources

• Penny for Pinellas $9,591,785
• ARPA $1,245,600
• Donation for Therapy Pool $1,000,000
• Total Funding Sources $11,837,385