What Do Lubbock Folks Really Want For Their City

I was tagged in a local story about "What Lubbock Needs." I found the answers interesting and wanted to distill the responses down to two big takeaways.

Our friends at Everything Lubbock posted a story asking, "What Does Lubbock Need?" They then listed the top ten answers—and I’d like to break those down.

First off, there are no wrong answers. If something would make you and your friends happy, then to some degree, it’s valid.

The best way to look at this is simple: what is more of a want than a need, and what’s actually doable in Lubbock?

What Lubbock Really Needs, According to Locals

Out of the top 10 answers, four were chain restaurants. We’re throwing those out as "wants." We have plenty of restaurants already, and most of these chains will probably make their way here eventually.

Next was a chain furniture store known for self-assembled products. The truth is, even if they had a showroom here, most people would just order online. Again, it’s a want, not a need.

Then there was an amusement park. Honestly, most people don’t realize the cost—just the insurance alone would be staggering. It could only operate for part of the year, and let’s be honest: we already had one. Lubbock wasn’t big enough to support it. Is it a want or a need? It falls somewhere in the middle.

An aquarium and a zoo also made the list. I’m not going to dispute that either would improve our quality of life. But past fundraising efforts have shown that locals are hesitant to support either. Still, I lean toward “need” here. A major attraction—not sports-related—would be great for our city.

This brings us to the two most critical needs.

Curbside Recycling

I’m proud of Lubbock for recognizing this. I don’t know why the city can’t make this work. It doesn’t have to be mandatory—just offer receptacles to households that request them, or place one big blue “Recyclables Only” dumpster in each alley. Problem mostly solved.

Public Pools

This is without a doubt, far and away, the best answer.

Shame on the City of Lubbock for not recognizing this as a priority. Public pools can pay for themselves with the right management. They are among the cheapest forms of entertainment, regardless of your income level. They also teach a vital life skill and offer other wellness benefits.

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When we finally get some leaders with the intestinal fortitude to be bold, the first pool should be completely indoors. That way, it can be used year-round—rain, shine, or snow—for everything from swimming lessons to movie nights.

We don’t need a giant waterpark with slides and lazy rivers. Just one big pool with a few diving boards. Start there. Prove the need. Grow from that.