DeSoto is finally cutting the ribbon on its long‑anticipated Aquatic and Recreation Center at McCowan Park this Saturday, and the city is turning the grand opening into an all‑day neighborhood hangout. The free, family‑friendly event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. and the official ribbon cutting set for 11 a.m. Residents will be able to tour the new building, check out the pools and get a feel for the fresh community spaces all afternoon.
What To Expect At The Opening
The celebration will feature the formal ribbon cutting, a live DJ and a showcase by the DeSoto Swim Team at 1 p.m. Guided tours of the facility begin at 11:30 a.m., and program demonstrations are scheduled for 1:30 p.m., according to a post from the DeSoto Police Department. Food trucks are slated to operate from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the city is billing the event as free and family‑friendly.
Registration And Arrival
Organizers are asking guests to register in advance through the city’s Eventbrite portal. The event page is hosted at Eventbrite. The ribbon cutting will take place at Curtistene S. McCowan Park, 1400 Academy Way in DeSoto, so officials advise building in extra time for parking and potential lines at vendor booths.
Why The ARC Matters
The ARC, described as a roughly $53 million, 74,000‑square‑foot facility, is the centerpiece of DeSoto’s parks master plan. It includes competition and leisure pools, a suspended fitness track and community meeting spaces, according to the DeSoto Development Corporation. City project updates had the ARC slated for completion in February 2026, per the City Manager's Weekly Update.
Mayor Rachel L. Proctor has called the ARC a transformational project that will enrich the lives of our residents, according to the DeSoto Tribune. City leaders have pitched the center as both a neighborhood hub and a regional draw for swim meets and other programming.
Saturday’s grand opening is free and open to all ages. Anyone with questions about memberships, accessibility or upcoming programs can check the Eventbrite listing or the city’s project pages for details. Expect a crowd, and plan ahead if you want a good look at the building or a prime spot to watch the swim team in action.
