The renovated and upgraded Cravens Pool is expected to open by Memorial Day weekend in 2024, with construction beginning at the top of the year.
City Manager Nate Pagan said the project has been completely bid on, and equipment is being ordered.
“We anticipate work starting in January, and we have an estimated completion date of May 24. If we stay on that schedule, then we would be open Memorial Day weekend. That is our intention and schedule as of now,” Pagan said.
The Parks and Recreation Department in July released renderings of the new pool layout, which included a larger footprint, interactive play structures, more deck space, pool seating, and zero-depth entry.
Parks and Recreation Director Amanda Rogers said the design will significantly increase the size of the pool. She said plans include zero-depth entry, meaning the entry on the shallow end will be at ground level and the pool floor will slope gradually to the deep end. Rogers said the pool will cap at 4.5-5 feet deep.
The shallow end will have a multi-level play structure with a slide, spray features and accessible water tables. The center of the pool will feature shade structures and an in-water bench along the wall, allowing guests to sit in the pool. A video breakdown of the new design and features can be viewed here.
Rogers told the City Commission in July that the project exceeded the budgeted $750,000, but she said was assured by City Manager Nate Pagan that they would be able to complete the project even with the extra cost.
The pool was originally expected to be completed by the summer of 2023 but supply shortages caused significant delays. Should the pool reopen next May, it would be the first time in 5 years that the pool has been open for swimming.
