KOB makes progress on city pool

A group of Olney citizens is working behind the scenes to break ground on a new municipal swimming pool before summer arrives, Mayor Rue Rogers said.

“The Keep Olney Beautiful group is hard at work on Phase III, the last leg of the Tom Griffin Park renovation project,” Mayor Rogers said. “We have received different quotes for a new pool, and we are working hard to fundraise the money necessary to complete the project. The current quote we have is for $291,000 for the pool and fence.”

A local private donor has pledged $200,000 toward the construction of the pool. The group must raise additional funds – estimated at $350,000 total – to build a new, updated concession stand and restroom facility and tear down the old pool and concession area, he said. Mayor Rogers said he and KOB President Kyle Turner plan to meet with a swimming pool contractor this week to go over plans.

“We are actively working to get quotes on the remaining items needed for the project so we have a more definitive cost,” he said. “We understand this is going to be an expensive project, but we are excited to be making progress. We have a vision for what the pool may look like, and will continue working until the project is completed!”

A new location for the pool is also under consideration, he said. “KOB is proposing moving the pool location next to the larger pavilion in the middle of the park,” Mayor Rogers said “There is a large area which could be utilized [and] could centralize all of the park inside the circular road. The current location could be leveled and turned into open grass space.”

KOB began fundraising for the new swimming pool shortly after the City of Olney permanently shut down the 70-year-old pool at Tom Griffin Park because of structural problems and a suspected sinkhole beneath it.

KOB had planned to eventually update the pool for Phase III of its update of Griffin Park, which has seen a walking trail and new playground equipment installed in recent years. But those plans were accelerated when the City abruptly closed the pool a few days before it was scheduled to open last June.

“Having the pool completed and open by this summer may not be feasible, but we want to get the project completed as quickly as possible,” he said.