Generations of Iowa City residents have fond memories tied to the City Park Pool, a community staple that has provided summer fun for decades. Now, the city is preparing to begin a major renovation that promises to modernize the pool while preserving the charm locals have come to love.

“It was also a pool that I went to when I was a child and so we had a lot of fond memories and I’m sharing that with my children as well,” said Missie Forbes of Iowa City, reflecting on the deep-rooted connection her family has to the facility.

The Iowa City Council recently approved a $13.7 million construction contract with City Construction, officially greenlighting the long-anticipated overhaul. Total project costs, which also include architectural and design services, are estimated to fall between $16 million and $17 million. Funding has already been incorporated into the city’s budget, allowing the project to break ground as early as next month.

“We are still somewhere in that $16-17 million range, there is no extra money, I know a lot of people have other ideas of how we could spend more on this project. We’re just really feeling fortunate to move forward with what we have now,” said Juli Seydell Johnson, Iowa City’s Director of Parks and Recreation.

Construction is expected to take about a year to complete. When finished, the upgraded facility will offer a more inclusive and versatile experience for swimmers of all ages and skill levels.

“It’s going to be a 3-pool complex, it will have a 6-lane, 50-meter lap lane pool, it’ll go in depth from 3 and a half to 5 feet so it will be walkable and swimmable at the same time,” Seydell Johnson added.

The renovation comes as part of a broader effort to invest in local infrastructure and enhance quality of life for residents. While the pool will be closed for the upcoming swim season, many community members are supportive of the temporary inconvenience in exchange for long-term benefits.

“While I love the history of the City Park Pool, they’ve really tried to maintain a lot of the aspects that people love or are endearing with bringing it into the modern day standards,” Forbes said.

In addition to the new pools, the city aims to introduce updated facilities that improve accessibility, safety, and user experience. The final design incorporates community feedback collected through public meetings and surveys conducted over the past two years.

The City Park Pool project marks one of Iowa City’s most significant investments in recreational infrastructure in recent years and reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining its public spaces while adapting to changing community needs.

Originally reported by Libbie Randall in KCRG.