Bullitt County residents excited about new aquatic center, renovations coming in 2026

SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A new $40 million investment will give children more to do around Shepherdsville.

"We're a good community, but we didn't have a lot for kids to do," Mayor Jose Cubero said. "We want to keep kids busy, have fun, and be kids."

Crews are about halfway through construction on Shepherdsville's new aquatic center. It's located next to Kart Kountry on Joe B. Hall Avenue.

When it’s finished, the aquatic center will have an outdoor pool, water slides, a splash park, an indoor pool, and pickleball courts.

The aquatic center project costs $25.2 million and is part of an effort to revitalize Shepherdsville's parks and streetscapes.

"I think it's wonderful," Alice Kubac said. "We deserve it and it's finally time."

Kubac has seen a lot of growth in Shepherdsville over the past few years, and she's thrilled most of the current development is geared toward families.

"It's awesome," she said. "I just can't believe everything we're going to get."

Cubero said the aquatic center should be able to host swim meets and other competitions. He believes this state-of-the-art facility is long overdue.

"We believe every community needs things for kids, things to have fun," the mayor said.

The city is also getting a skate park, town square and several upgrades to the park. Neighbors will have access to a new playground, basketball and pickleball courts, pavilions for birthday parties and picnics, disc golf and a 5k course.

"We have five kids," Kubac said. "They love to be able to bike to the park and use all the facilities. It's so exciting. We're so happy."

The aquatic center will have a small fee to "cover the cost to run the facilities," but all of the other attractions will be free to the public.

The total cost of all of four projects is roughly $40 million. However, Cubero said he won't raise taxes to fund these efforts.

"We've managed the money here so that we're able to run our city and still have funds left over for capital projects," he said. "It comes from the additional funds that we have after we've paid our bills."

He hopes the renovations draw in new businesses and residents.

"We're going to be a very attractive place to want to live," Cubero said.

The park renovation and skate park are expected to open to the public by early next year. Shepherdsville residents can expect to use this aquatic center in June 2026.

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