When Raleigh voters overwhelmingly approved the $275 million Parks Bond in 2022, one of the most anticipated projects was a long-awaited aquatic center at John Chavis Memorial Park in Southeast Raleigh.

Nearly four years later, many residents are asking the same questions:

• Where is the aquatic center?
• Is the project still happening?
• Who is responsible for the delays?

Here’s what we know.

The Project Is Still Planned

Despite concerns from the community, the City of Raleigh says the John Chavis Aquatic Center has not been canceled.

According to the City’s project page, the aquatic center remains Phase 2 of the John Chavis Memorial Park Master Plan and is funded through the 2022 Parks Bond. The project includes:

• Indoor lap pool
• Therapy pool
• Outdoor recreation pool
• Lazy river
• Vortex play feature
• Two-story waterslide
• Heritage Plaza improvements
• Additional parking and public art 

The facility is designed to become one of Raleigh’s premier public aquatic destinations.

Why Hasn’t Construction Started?

The project is still in the planning and design phase.

Since voters approved the Parks Bond, the City has been:

• Completing engineering and architectural design
• Conducting community engagement
• Selecting public art
• Refining construction plans
• Preparing the project for bidding and construction 

Large public projects often spend several years in design before construction begins, particularly when they involve historic parks and complex recreational facilities.

Who Is Responsible?

The responsibility for delivering the project ultimately rests with the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, working alongside the Raleigh City Council, which oversees Parks Bond funding and capital improvement projects.

Because the aquatic center is a voter-approved Parks Bond project, City staff are responsible for:

• Managing design and engineering
• Hiring consultants and contractors
• Keeping the project within budget
• Reporting progress to City Council and the public 

Why This Project Matters

John Chavis Memorial Park is more than just another city park.

Opened in 1937 during segregation, it became one of the few recreational spaces available to Black families in North Carolina. The park’s historic swimming pool served generations of Southeast Raleigh residents before it was eventually removed during earlier renovations.

For many residents, bringing back a modern aquatic facility is about more than recreation—it’s about restoring an important community asset and honoring the park’s history. 

Community Questions Continue

Although the City continues to list the aquatic center as an active Parks Bond project, many residents want greater transparency regarding:

• An expected construction start date
• Estimated completion timeline
• Updated project costs
• Potential impacts from inflation
• Regular public progress reports

As one of the largest investments planned for Southeast Raleigh, many community members believe consistent communication is just as important as the construction itself.

What’s Next?

As of July 2026, the City of Raleigh continues to identify the John Chavis Aquatic Center as an active Parks Bond project, and planning work remains underway. While no opening date has been announced, the project is still expected to move forward as funding and design milestones are completed. 

DoRaleigh will continue monitoring City Council updates, Parks Bond reports, and project announcements to keep the community informed.

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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |