Stop the $84.8 million Marvin E. Crist Aquatics Project
The Issue
STOP THE $84.8 MILLION MARVIN E. CRIST AQUATICS PROJECT
Lancaster residents deserve clear answers about this project and the use of public money.
The City of Lancaster is moving forward with an $84,786,165 design-build contract for the Marvin E. Crist Aquatics Facility—nearly $12.8 million above the original approximately $72 million project budget.
That increase demands a complete explanation, including all costs outside the contract and the facility’s projected expenses for staffing, operations, maintenance, insurance, repairs, and upgrades.
The City has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Antelope Valley Union High School District concerning the facility. Claims place AVUHSD’s contribution at approximately $46 million. That figure must be confirmed publicly.
Charles Hughes, the AVUHSD Board, Mayor R. Rex Parris, and the Lancaster City Council must disclose:
The exact amount AVUHSD has committed
The funding sources and legal restrictions
The approval process and voting records
The benefits and access students will receive
The district’s long-term financial obligations
The project’s complete public cost
This is public money. Parents, students, employees, residents, and taxpayers have the right to review the agreements and understand how these funds are being used.
We demand that Lancaster and AVUHSD:
Release the complete MOU and all related financial documents.
Provide a full accounting of project costs and funding.
Explain the increase from $72 million to $84,786,165.Disclose all long-term operating obligations.
Hold meaningful public hearings before making further major commitments.
Do not accept vague answers.
SIGN THIS PETITION.
SHARE IT WITH LANCASTER RESIDENTS, AVUHSD FAMILIES, AND TAXPAYERS.
Attend City Council and AVUHSD Board meetings. Request the MOU, financial records, approval documents, and information concerning the reported $46 million commitment.
$72 MILLION: ORIGINAL PROJECT BUDGET.
$84,786,165: DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACT.
APPROXIMATELY $46 MILLION: REPORTED AVUHSD & CHARLES HUGHES CONTRIBUTION REQUIRING PUBLIC CONFIRMATION.
STOP FURTHER MAJOR COMMITMENTS UNTIL THE PUBLIC RECEIVES THE COMPLETE FINANCIAL PICTURE.
RELEASE THE DOCUMENTS.
SHOW US THE MONEY.
ANSWER THE TAXPAYERS.
69
The Issue
STOP THE $84.8 MILLION MARVIN E. CRIST AQUATICS PROJECT
Lancaster residents deserve clear answers about this project and the use of public money.
The City of Lancaster is moving forward with an $84,786,165 design-build contract for the Marvin E. Crist Aquatics Facility—nearly $12.8 million above the original approximately $72 million project budget.
That increase demands a complete explanation, including all costs outside the contract and the facility’s projected expenses for staffing, operations, maintenance, insurance, repairs, and upgrades.
The City has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Antelope Valley Union High School District concerning the facility. Claims place AVUHSD’s contribution at approximately $46 million. That figure must be confirmed publicly.
Charles Hughes, the AVUHSD Board, Mayor R. Rex Parris, and the Lancaster City Council must disclose:
The exact amount AVUHSD has committed
The funding sources and legal restrictions
The approval process and voting records
The benefits and access students will receive
The district’s long-term financial obligations
The project’s complete public cost
This is public money. Parents, students, employees, residents, and taxpayers have the right to review the agreements and understand how these funds are being used.
We demand that Lancaster and AVUHSD:
Release the complete MOU and all related financial documents.
Provide a full accounting of project costs and funding.
Explain the increase from $72 million to $84,786,165.Disclose all long-term operating obligations.
Hold meaningful public hearings before making further major commitments.
Do not accept vague answers.
SIGN THIS PETITION.
SHARE IT WITH LANCASTER RESIDENTS, AVUHSD FAMILIES, AND TAXPAYERS.
Attend City Council and AVUHSD Board meetings. Request the MOU, financial records, approval documents, and information concerning the reported $46 million commitment.
$72 MILLION: ORIGINAL PROJECT BUDGET.
$84,786,165: DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACT.
APPROXIMATELY $46 MILLION: REPORTED AVUHSD & CHARLES HUGHES CONTRIBUTION REQUIRING PUBLIC CONFIRMATION.
STOP FURTHER MAJOR COMMITMENTS UNTIL THE PUBLIC RECEIVES THE COMPLETE FINANCIAL PICTURE.
RELEASE THE DOCUMENTS.
SHOW US THE MONEY.
ANSWER THE TAXPAYERS.
The Decision Makers
Petition Updates
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Petition created on September 8, 2026