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GREENSBORO - The City Council decided to support the new competitive swim center sought by local swimmers at Wednesday's bond hearing, even though community suggestions for a new pool didn't match the recommendations of parks and recreation officials.

An aquatic center was part of a $20 million bond proposal that passed in an 8-0 vote. Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Anderson Groat was absent.

Trish Martin, whose children swim competitively with the Greensboro Swimming Association, said the city needs a new swim center to meet growing interest in the sport.

"The participation in this town, the interest is growing," Martin said. "Is Greensboro ready for that increase in participation? Unfortunately, we are not."

Wednesday's hearing allowed city residents to sound off on four bonds totaling $205 million. The bonds also would fund renovations to 49-year-old War Memorial Auditorium; repairs to parks and recreation facilities; housing initiatives such as special-needs housing and foreclosure protection; and street initiatives such as improvements of intersections, sidewalks, greenways and trails.

Each bond package was approved by the council, meaning voters will get the chance to say yes or no in November.

If voters approve all four bonds in November, that would add about 2.5 cents to the property tax, starting in 2009. That's an extra $50 for the owner of a $200,000 home.

The council included the new aquatic center in its parks and recreation bond package even though department officials reminded council members Wednesday that they didn't have time to seek public input on the issue.

"We did not have public meetings," said Bonnie Kuester, parks and recreation director. "There was not the opportunity."

In 2006, Greensboro voters rejected a similar bond intended for a new competitive pool center.

Parks and recreation officials also mentioned alternative ways to fund the center, such as public-private fundraising partnerships. Last year in Wake County, a nonprofit venture built a larger and more expensive pool center than the one Kuester had proposed. The $25 million Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary was built entirely with private funds.

Greensboro resident Bill Knight argued that it would be more appropriate for private sponsors to fund a competitive pool center.

"I question the wisdom of having the government pay for it, especially in this time of economic distress," Knight said.

Councilman Zack Matheny said he supported the new pool initiative despite concerns from parks and recreation officials and questions on the part of council members.

"I just want to make it public that we're not trying to slight the parks and recreation commission at all," Matheny said. "We deserve a swimming pool."

A large number of the about 130 community members who turned out Wednesday night expressed support for the greenway project included in the $134 million street improvements initiative.

"The completion of this project will be a step forward in completing the city's comprehensive plan," said David Wharton, a Greensboro resident. "We just think the completion of this project will prove to be a wise investment for this city."

Wharton said the proposals also would improve bicycle safety in the city.

Contact Emily Stephenson at 373-7080 or emily.stephenson@news-record.com