History:

Robert Russell (Russ) McEwen, III (1949-2012) is fondly remembered as a passionate servant of the Big Spring community. He founded the Russ McEwen Agency in 1975 – provided high quality health insurance to Big Spring, Texas and surrounding communities for over 37 years. He also coached gymnastics for over 20 years, positively affecting the lives of so many youngsters with his sense of discipline, hard work, and reward. In addition, Russ proudly served on the Big Spring City Council from 1981 until 1988 and later served as Mayor from 2000 until 2010.

Russ believed in supporting and encouraging our community youth by providing them with fun and safe entertainment alternatives. During his tenor as mayor, Russ succeeded in bringing the Big Spring Family Aquatic Center to fruition. This family-oriented facility provides our community and surrounding areas a safe environment to have fun, relax, or simply cool off during the Texas summer heat.

About Facility:

The Aquatic Center project began in 2010 and consists of a 9,376 square foot leisure pool and a 4,662 square foot bathhouse. The pool includes a zero depth entry, climbable play structure, water crossing activity, lazy river, and two water slides. The bathhouse includes bather change/shower facilities, office spaces, a concession area, and dedicated mechanical equipment spaces. Site amenities include sand play areas and equipment, shade structures, irrigation, concrete deck areas, fencing barriers, turf, and plantings.

Name Change:

The name of the facility has undergone several changes since its time in service. The facility previously consisted of an Olympic-sized swimming pool (the first of its size in Texas) and a pool house under the name “Comanche Trail Park Municipal Swimming Pool.” Upon its remodel in 2011, however, the facility was named “Big Spring Family Aquatic Center” to commemorate the new facility. In 2015, the Mayor Duncan and Council members voted to rename the facility to the “Russ McEwen Family Aquatic Center,” in memoriam of our late Mayor Russ McEwen and his contributions to the community of Big Spring.