Major Renovations Planned for Oxford City’s Swimming Pool
Oxford, Mississippi is gearing up for significant changes at its local swimming pool. The Oxford Planning Commission has recently approved a variance request for the city’s landscaping ordinance, paving the way for the long-awaited renovations of the approximately 50-year-old facility.
City officials have decided to replace the existing pool entirely after spending hundreds of thousands of dollars each year on repairs. In 2022, the Board of Aldermen tasked staff with exploring long-term options, leading to the conclusion that a complete replacement was the best path forward.
New Facilities Coming Soon
The plans for the new pool include demolishing the current concession building and bathrooms. In their place, a modern 1,975-square-foot building will be constructed, featuring a veranda and new restroom facilities. Vast improvements will also be made to the pool area, with new decking, fencing, and a water slide planned for the upcoming season.
Unfortunately, these exciting developments mean that the pool will remain closed for the entirety of summer 2024. The city expects the newly renovated pool to reopen its doors in May 2025.
Landscaping Adjustments
Mark Levy, the special project director for the city, presented the variance request to the commission. He explained that the city’s landscaping codes necessitated the inclusion of several trees along Washington Avenue as well as in the parking lot. However, due to the specific constraints of the site, Levy noted that the design team will not be able to satisfy all of these requirements.
Space is tight, with only about 20 inches between the road and the sidewalk, making it difficult to plant large trees that would not interfere with the pool as they grow. The new design will incorporate better trees than currently exist, offering a net increase in green space.
Parking Considerations
The renovations also come with new parking arrangements. The new facility will have only six parking spaces, three of which will be designated as accessible spots. Most visitors will need to utilize parking options at the Stone Center, located across the street from the pool. This may cause some inconvenience, but city officials believe it is a necessary compromise for the improvements being made.
Next Steps for Construction
Looking ahead, the city plans to bid out the construction plans in May, with actual construction expected to start in June. The Planning Commission unanimously granted the variance, signaling strong support for the project.
With the city pool undergoing such substantial upgrades, residents can anticipate a vastly improved recreational space by the time it reopens. In the meantime, plans are being developed to keep the community engaged and informed about the renovations throughout the closure period.
The decision to renovate instead of simply maintaining the existing pool reflects a broader commitment to improving community facilities and ensuring residents have access to safe, modern amenities.
As Oxford prepares for the pool’s revitalization, officials encourage residents to stay connected for updates on the project and any potential adjustments to the community’s recreational offerings in the meantime.
