Learn more about plans for Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool renovations
One of the initial steps in renovating the historic Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool gets underway later this month with a open house that will include the public, city officials and members of the Nashville-based consulting company tasked with creating three conceptual designs.
The Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department will have its first public open house for the Outdoor Pool Renovation Project at 6 p.m. June 13 at the Scarboro Community Center, 148 Carver Ave.
The open house is a chance for the consulting company working on the project, Kimley-Horn and Associates, and city staff to hear public input on how to renovate the city pool. According to a city news release issued Friday, a brief presentation will be followed by an interactive open house. Light refreshments will be provided.
The Oak Ridge City Council in May approved a resolution selecting the company to provide professional consulting services for the planning and design of the pool renovations for $55,200. Although the actual cost of the renovations cannot yet be estimated, Jon Hetrick, city Recreation and Parks Department director, told the council that $5 million has been set aside as a "placeholder" in the city's Capital Improvements Program. The $5 million includes the $55,200 design cost, he said.
In a letter to Hetrick, Kimley-Horn and Associates said the spring-fed city pool opened in 1944 and "now needs improvements made that are sensitive to its history while also considering repair costs and evolving aquatic trends."
"Originally constructed in 1944 by the Corps of Engineers, the pool underwent major renovation in 1992-1993. Reopened in summer of 1994, the pool is spring water fed and considered one of the largest in the nation. Depths range from zero to 13-1/2 feet," states the description of the pool on the website for Explore Oak Ridge, the city's tourism entity.
In response to a question from council member Ellen Smith on the need for public involvement, Hetrick spoke of the open house, now set for June 13, other meetings and perhaps a public survey. He said the company would later provide three conceptual plans with dollar figures attached.
When asked by Mayor Pro Tem Jim Dodson if the pool will be located at the same site on Providence Road, Hetrick said that's the city staff's intent and that there is no other good option in the city.
Donna Smith is The Oak Ridger’s news editor and covers Oak Ridge area news. Email dsmith@oakridger.com. Twitter: @ridgernewsed.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at https://subscribe.oakridger.com/offers.
This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Open house planned for Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool renovations
