Pool project begins

The $2.2 million renovation of the Berea City Pool began last week, as crews embarked on the task of tearing up concrete and removing pool accessories, according to Berea City Administrator Rose Beverly. Beverly gave an update on the project at a recent Berea City Council meeting.

“The pool project is underway,” Beverly said, noting that Parks and Recreation Director Priscilla Bloom has already reported progress. “Priscilla said when she got there today, they were taking down the slides. They’re definitely working hard on that, and the goal, obviously, is to get that done in time for us to open as usual.”

Beverly said that barring an unforeseen event, the pool should be ready in time for the new season.  

“It does seem like unless we had some crazy weather back-to-back, that they should not have a problem with that. So, we’re really excited to get that going. I know the pool is cherished here in this community. People use it a lot, so I think it’ll be a great thing for our community when it’s all done,” Beverly said. The 2024 season was successful for the facility, drawing 3,000 more patrons than in 2023.

Last Wednesday, work crews had already removed both slides, and concrete from the old deck is expected to be completely gone from the work site by next week.

The Berea Tourism Commission is helping to pay for renovation, having pledged $200,000 from this year’s budget. The move came after an appeal from Berea City Councilman Jerry Little, who said the facility contributes to local tourism. The city also landed a $245,000 Land and Conservation grant from the Kentucky Department of Local Government.

The project is the most extensive investment in the facility since the city added the splashpad feature in 2019.