News Summary
The Franklin Pool in Elizabethton will be closed for renovations in 2025, according to the Parks and Recreation Department. This historic pool, built in 1928, requires significant updates due to plumbing issues and water leaks. The renovation is estimated to cost $1.6 million, with community support balancing the budget needs. While residents express mixed feelings about the closure, improvements aim to ensure the pool’s future for generations to come.
Franklin Pool in Elizabethton Set for Renovations, Won’t Open in 2025
It’s official, folks! The beloved Franklin Pool in Elizabethton will be taking a little break next summer—2025, to be exact. The announcement came through the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department, leaving many community members wondering about the future of their favorite local swimming spot.
What’s the Scoop on the Closure?
On Friday, April 11, 2025, city officials confirmed that the pool won’t be open due to construction and renovations slated to kick off this summer. The renovation project comes with an expected completion date of late 2025, which has left residents feeling mixed emotions. Excitement for improvements? Yes. Disappointment for the summer ahead? Absolutely.
Why the Makeover?
The Parks and Recreation Department has been discussing the state of the pool for quite some time. Not only is this historic pool showing its age—built way back in 1928—but it’s also facing some serious issues. Concerns have been raised about substantial leakage and outdated plumbing, which combined have created a perfect storm of problems.
During discussions about the 2025-26 city budget, the department made it clear that the time for renovations is now. They’re requesting a whopping $1.6 million to get Franklin Pool back up to snuff, making it the highest request among a total of $5,172,032 for departmental projects this year. The second highest request is a cool $1,250,000 aimed at improving Covered Bridge Park.
A Budget That’s Tight
While the proposed budget seemed ambitious, it was swiftly trimmed down to $4,013,133 for the City Council’s consideration, showing that local funding can be quite a challenge. City Manager Daniel Estes highlighted that there just aren’t enough funds to cover all the requests out there. Seems like balancing the budget isn’t just a headache for politicians; it’s a reality check for community projects.
What’s Wrong with the Pool?
Parks and Recreation Director David Nanney dived into the details about the issues plaguing the pool. The plumbing system hasn’t just aged, it’s really taken a turn for the worse. The pipes have gotten so small that they’re now about the size of a ballpoint pen’s opening! That’s right—water flow has been significantly impacted. And if that weren’t enough, the filtration and pumping systems have also been struggling, with considerable leaks causing further troubles.
Last season didn’t end well either, as the pool’s main pump failed, leaving repair efforts complicated and uncertain. Fortunately, there’s been some help from the First Tennessee Development District, which awarded a block grant of $630,000 to support the renovations. But here’s the catch: funds from federal grants require spending up front before any reimbursement happens. It’s a bit of a tightrope walk!
Community Support
Despite all the hurdles and challenges, there’s been solid support from local council members who recognize the need to keep the pool open. The renovation process will officially begin once completing the necessary environmental review, which is a standard part of the process. So, while the community may have to cope without their cherished pool next summer, the silver lining is that they’ll be getting one much better equipped for future generations.
What’s Next?
Mark your calendars! The next city budget workshop is set for April 15, 2025, where discussions about the future and funding will continue. As plans unfold and more information comes to light, we’ll be watching closely to keep everyone updated.
So, Elizabethton, take a deep breath! While Franklin Pool may be closed for now, exciting transformations are on the horizon!
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Additional Resources
- WCYB News
- Wikipedia: Franklin Pool
- Johnson City Press
- Google Search: Franklin Pool Elizabethton
- SuperTalk 929
- Google Scholar: Franklin Pool Elizabethton
- Elizabethton News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Franklin Pool
- WJHL News
- Google News: Franklin Pool Elizabethton
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
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