Goodlettsville Board of Commissioners Study Session: Pleasant Green Pool and Main Street Parking Lot - September 10, 2026

The Goodlettsville Board of Commissioners held a study session on Thursday, September 10, 2026, beginning at 5:48 p.m. in Massie Chambers at Goodlettsville City Hall. The agenda called for a 5:45 p.m. start, and no formal action could be taken during a study session. The two discussion items were the 2026 Pleasant Green Pool season report, required by Resolution 26-1316 as amended, and a proposed lease of the Main Street parking lot.

Pleasant Green Pool 2026 Season

• Recreation staff reported total pool attendance of 11,116 for the 2026 season, an increase of 1,104 visitors over the prior year and close to pre-COVID attendance. Attendance was tracked through membership check-ins and daily passes.
• Total revenue was $84,616, an increase of $11,567 over the previous year. Revenue sources included gate sales, concession sales, memberships, programming, and reservations. Programming, which included a weekly water aerobics class, generated $475, and reservations generated $7,150.
• Expenses were $141,390.30, a decrease of $9,341 from the prior year. Lifeguard salaries were the largest expense because salaries had been raised to remain competitive in the lifeguard market; scheduling changes helped reduce overall costs while maintaining safety.
• The season ended with a net loss of $56,774, an improvement from a loss of more than $77,000 the previous year.
• Staff increased marketing through paid and organic social media, news interviews, and pop-up events, which became very popular. They also extended hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings; the 4:00-7:30 p.m. extended period averaged 20-25 paid admissions, with one evening drawing more than 50. Peak attendance remained from noon to 3 p.m.
• Reservations were limited to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday based on prior demand; those days sold out, though one last-minute cancellation could not be refilled.
• Staff estimated fewer than five full days were lost to weather closures. Lifeguards were paid only for cleanup time on closed days, not for the full day.
• On capital needs: diving board replacements were completed, and $50,000 was budgeted for the concession stand renovation. Staff identified pool deck resurfacing and an automated chemical system as top priorities and said they would request a budget amendment for $75,000 for those items before reopening. Other future needs included lightning detection, ADA upgrades, and additional shade. Staff described the pool deck as in rough shape; resurfacing would involve grinding, leveling, and applying a new membrane rather than replacing the concrete.
• Nighttime swimming was discussed; staff said it is not currently feasible because the pool has no in-pool lighting, and installing internal lighting would be a significant cost. Staff did not consider nighttime swimming a good use of funds.
• Swim lessons were not offered in 2026 because staff were not WSI certified and many lifeguards were new. Staff and commissioners noted that swim lessons generated more than $12,000 in revenue in past years and were one of the most requested community programs. Staff expressed interest in certifying staff and bringing swim lessons back.
• Commissioners thanked pool staff and lifeguards, noted approximately 25-26 lifeguard saves, and said the community strongly supports keeping the pool open. One commissioner reported that a social media post about the pool drew hundreds of comments, almost all in favor of keeping it.

Main Street Parking Lot

• Mr. Ellis presented a proposed lease for the parking lot at the corner of East and Main Street, across from Memorial, for public parking to support businesses along the Main Street corridor.
• Proposed terms: a 36-month initial term from January 1, 2027, through 2029, with rent of $10,000 per year. The lease payment would increase if improvements to the property increase its appraised value by the Davidson County assessor. Legal counsel had not yet approved the draft.
• The fiscal year 2027 budget includes $15,000 for the property: $10,000 for the first year's lease payment and $5,000 for paving and striping. Staff said paving and striping would be done through the city's existing contract with Rogers Group; minimal other improvements would be made until the Main Street project is complete.
• Commissioner Walker expressed concern that the city would pay to improve privately owned property without a renewal right or right of first refusal, leaving the owner free to lease the improved lot to a private operator after three years. Walker asked whether the city could seek a renewal option. Mr. Ellis said the property owners are not interested in selling, are comfortable with the current terms, and have not agreed to a renewal term; he offered to take the request back to them.
• Another commissioner noted the Main Street project is expected to be complete in 2028, meaning the parking lot lease would be half over before the new Main Street improvements are finished, but argued the lot would still be used for events and additional public parking.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken, consistent with the study session format.
• Pool staff plan to bring forward a budget amendment for approximately $75,000 for pool deck resurfacing and an automated chemical system, and will consider pricing additional shade.
• Staff will continue discussions with the parking lot property owners, including the possibility of a renewal term or right of first refusal.