Abilene State Park closes pool for 2nd summer ahead of 90th anniversary
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – For the second year, Abilene State Park’s pool won’t be open for the summer season. The state park says it’s closed this year to make some necessary repairs, and it should stand strong for the summers to come.
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In the 1980’s, the relocation of the Abilene State Park amenity began a legacy of family fun memories. The 40-year-old pool has stood the test of time at the park, but now sits still and empty as it undergoes renovations, closing the pool for the summer season for the second year in a row.
The state park offers two pools; one for younger children and a main pool spanning from 3 to 12 feet. Assistant superintendent, Candyce Johnson, told KTAB/KRBC the wear and tear over the years has taken a toll on the pool.
“These repairs are going to redo the concrete gutters, they are going to fix a joint inside this swimming pool, and they’re going to fix a stone wall over by the baby pool that’s starting to crack and kind of fall over,” Johnson explained.
The pool, for some families, has become a tradition of learning how to swim and has passed through the generation. Johnson said she is sad to see the pool close, and hopes to continue the legacy of the space in the coming summers.
“It’s a generational rite of passage… We’ve heard stories of you know, ‘oh, my grandmother brought my mom out here to swim,'” said Johnson. “It means a lot to people’s childhood, and we want that to continue. We want to have people continue to come out here for generations.”
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The pool will be closing during the 90th anniversary of the park, being the one missing piece from the June 1 celebration.
“We were sad that this swimming pool will not be opening for the 90th this year. That’s something that is, you know, of course, nostalgic,” Johnson added. “Some of our other key structures also need some TLC… The park will, the area around the same pool will look a little bit different, a little bit more red.”
The celebration on June 1 will feature activities, food, and history.
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