Oak Ridge outdoor pool public input meeting set for June 13
Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool is open for the current season, but the city is considering reno- vations for the future. (photo:Ben Pounds )
The city invites the public for a brief presentation at the Scarboro Community Center at 148 Carver Ave., followed by an interactive open house in which people can give their own comments on the pool plans. Light refreshments will be available.
A city news release described the meeting as a chance for city staff and the consulting companies working on the project, Kimley-Horn and Counsilman-Hunsaker, to hear public input involving the plans for the pool.
The meeting comes after a city decision to renovate, but not move, the spring-fed outdoor pool at 172 Providence Road. Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau states on its website that the pool dates to 1944, although there was a swimming hole there before that point. The city later renovated the pool in 1992-93. The Tennessee Historical Commission recognized the pool with a marker in 2022.
The city has said it needs to replace the pool to keep it operating safely and efficiently after the current season. The City Council recently voted unanimously to give up to $55,200 for design and engineering services to Nashville based Kimley-Horn.
“Quite frankly, there really isn’t another good option centrally located in town,” Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Director Jon Hetrick said regarding the renovated pool’s location.
But the city isn’t certain about the future pool’s features. Hetrick has discussed water slides and a splash pad as possible ideas, and spoke of gathering ideas from the public at meetings such as this coming one. These renovations won’t affect the current pool season.
For more information, call the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Civic Center front desk at 865-425-3450, or visit the center at 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike.