Mayor Ginther Announces $13 Million for Design, Construction of Improved Aquatics Facilities
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today
announced $13 million to improve the aquatics facilities at Glenwood and
Windsor community centers in the Hilltop and Linden, respectively. Dedicated
funds include $1 million for project design from the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program and $12
million for construction, which will be part of the 2021 Capital Improvements
Budget. Construction at both sites is anticipated to begin fall 2022.
“Our commitment to improving these
facilities represents our broader commitment to investing in our
neighborhoods,” Mayor Ginther said. “By providing newer, better and safer
recreational spaces for our residents to enjoy, we are meeting the evolving
needs of a growing community while laying the foundation for healthy habits and
behaviors that will last a lifetime.”
The Columbus Recreation and Parks
Department (CRPD) oversees eight outdoor pools, one indoor pool and seven spray
parks and fountains, many of which are slated for improvement in the coming
years. CRPD is currently assessing its Aquatics Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP)
and soliciting public input regarding existing and future opportunities at city
pools, including full replacement, infrastructure upgrades and expansion, additional
play and accessibility features, shelter areas and picnic amenities.
“Our pools offer a place for kids
and families to keep cool, connect with each other and have fun in the summer,”
said Paul Rakosky, interim CRPD director. “Continually investing in our
facilities is part of our commitment to building and maintaining the best
possible parks system. The improvements to the Glenwood and Windsor pools are
the first in a long series of planned improvements to our aquatics facilities,
and we look forward to engaging the community throughout this process.”
For more information on these
projects, as well as the ACIP, visit www.columbusaquatics.org.