Property Owner Addresses Possible Safety Hazards at Closed Pool

TYLER — Zions Bank, the owner of the closed-down Apple Swim and Fitness site, issued a statement Thursday about the condition of the property. The statement reads, “Zions Bank understands and is urgently working to address community concern about the condition of the former Apple Swim & Fitness Center property located at 5113 Timber Creek Dr. in Tyler, Texas. The bank foreclosed on the property July 3, but could not take possession of it until an eviction process was completed in court. Zions Bank kept Smith County officials informed at every stage of the process. The bank was granted possession, and its first opportunity to enter the property, on Sept. 13.

“We are working with contractors to have the pool on the property drained as quickly as possible. Gates on the property have been re-secured with padlocks, and Zions Bank has arranged for yard work to begin. Zions Bank will notify police of any trespassing on the property and we encourage the public to do the same. Zions Bank may provide additional updates on this property in the future, but has no further comment at this time.”

Earlier, KETK reported garbage littering the area, stray cats roaming the yard, and the pool water stagnant in its container. Some of the gates had been opened, and the pool area could be easily accessed at the back of the property. Officials with NET Health in Tyler said they are working closely with Zions Bank. Health officials said they have turned on the pumps in the pool to move the water around, so that the mosquitoes won’t become more of a problem. KETK spoke with a contractor who was taking pictures of the area for Zions Bank. He said he will be giving them an estimate on what needed to be done to repair the facility. Former Apple Swim & Fitness operator Tara Kay McSwain, 38, was sentenced earlier this month to two consecutive six-year prison terms for prescription fraud.