Wellington plans to convert Aquatic Center to green space; PBSO substation concept would reshape parking and circulation

Planning and public-works staff presented a multi-part Town Center plan that would convert the existing Aquatic Center pool area to open green space for picnics and light recreation while retaining three buildings (locker rooms, offices and a restroom building) for future programming and amenities.

Mr. Rinesfeld said the village is assembling a contract manager and intends to contract for demolition and restoration services. He noted salvaging some splash-pad infrastructure is being evaluated, possibly with grant funding, and that permanent shaded seating and picnic areas are proposed to complement the green space.

Staff showed a revised concept for a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) substation on the site that would relocate the village driveway, create a secure PBSO entrance and, in the concept shown, remove about 45 public parking spaces. Staff and council discussed alternatives to reduce the PBSO footprint, potential impacts to event parking and a continuing agreement with a neighboring property for overflow parking that could be affected if the neighboring site is sold.

Council questioned fencing, pedestrian circulation, the estimated 6-foot perimeter wall (post-and-panel, roughly $200–$250 per foot), and how resident access to the green space and retained buildings would be handled. Staff said interior fencing would likely be removed, circulation reconfigured and some perimeter fencing kept for safety along Ken Adams Way. Staff also noted opportunities to seek grant funding for plaza or urban water features and said further design work and cost estimates will follow.