Exciting Changes Ahead for the City Pool in Oxford!
Hey there, Oxford! We’ve got some exciting news for all the swim enthusiasts and families who love spending sunny days at our local pool. This week, the Oxford Planning Commission approved a variance request that’s going to transform our beloved city pool, which has been around for nearly 50 years!
A Long-Awaited Decision
Now, you may remember that back in 2022, the Board of Aldermen decided to explore some long-term options for the pool. Why, you ask? Well, the city has been pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars each year into quick fixes and repairs, making it clear that it was time for a more permanent solution. After much consideration, the decision was made to fully replace the old pool while keeping it in the same footprint, which means we won’t lose any of our precious space for fun in the sun!
What’s New?
The upgrades are not just a coat of paint; oh no! The current concession building and bathrooms will come down, making way for a gorgeous new 1,975-square-foot pool building that will include a lovely veranda and brand-new restrooms. Talk about an improvement! Plus, residents will enjoy new decking, updated fencing, and even a slide to make those summer days even more thrilling. However, we will have to hang tight as the pool will be closed this summer and is expected to reopen in May 2025.
Landscaping Variance Approved
On top of all that, Mark Levy, the special project director for the city, brought up an interesting point during Monday’s commission meeting regarding the landscaping codes. The city has a requirement for three trees along Washington Avenue, a tree for the parking lot, and some evergreen shrubs. However, due to some tricky site constraints, they couldn’t incorporate these elements into the new design.
Turns out, there’s only about 20 inches between the road and the sidewalk! Planting large trees right next to the pool could lead to potential issues in the future as tree canopies expand — and we don’t want any branches poking around where families are enjoying their time!
Parking Woes
As for parking, it’s going to be a cozy setup. The new design will offer only six parking spaces, with three allocated for accessible parking. Most of the parking will actually be at the Stone Center, located just across the street from the pool — definitely something to keep in mind for those planning group outings to the water!
More Greenery on the Way!
One silver lining is that Mark assured everyone, “We are planting more trees than we currently have, and they will be even better trees!” Now that’s music to our ears! It sounds like the pool area is set to become a much more inviting space once the renovations are completed.
What’s Next?
Construction plans are set to be bid this May, with the work slated to begin in June. The Planning Commission welcomed the variance request with open arms, approving it unanimously. So, there you have it, Oxford! Exciting times ahead as we transform our city pool into a sparkling new space for families and friends to enjoy for years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates, and keep those swimsuits ready for next summer when the new city pool opens its doors!
