I spoke with city council last night, September 2 and urged them to postpone the demolition of the pool this year (slated for fall) until they get a professional assessment of a renovation opportunity for the pool that we have. I spoke with someone who is the project manager for an aquatic company, that was referred to me from Pleasant Ridge rec department, Who emphatically said that a renovation would be way more feasible with bond money possibly around $2 million versus a quote for a new facility years down the road which could cost around $30 million. with our bond being totaled out at $44 million there’s no way that that much will be allocated to a small lap pool (and we’ll end up with the splash pad, no doubt) * I urge you readers to email city council and demand that they postpone needlessly demolishing a pool that works, that’s beloved, and deserves to have a professional assessment for total renovation. etungate@oakparkmi.gov mmcclellan@oakparkmi.gov Whitehead@oakparkmi.gov sradner@oakparkmi.gov jedgar@oakparkmi.gov recoffice@OakParkMi.gov Lstasiak@oakparkmi.gov The city of Oak Park has exciting plans to build an elder resident apartment complex, expanding on the parks, and so much more. Upgrades are key, but part of the plan has me very concerned. 
The city of Oak Park has been maintaining and opening the city pool consistently for decades. It’s a place where local kids and many day camps come swim all summer. There’s swimming lessons, aquatics for seniors , etc. In the new parks plan, the city planners have proposed an indoor pool as phase two. to my understanding, this will be YEARS down the road, if it’s constructed at all. They’re planning the summer of 2025 to be the last summer season our outdoor pool will be open as it’s slated to be demolished to make way for new construction. 

My realistic ask is that they keep the pool we have until the ribbon-cutting opening of the new pool. the city of Ferndale, the city of Berkley and other surrounding areas have considered and turned down budget proposals for a new pool of any kind because of the cost to build something we already have.  Oak Park pool that’s under utilized. It needs a swim team to join summer leagues with Pleasant Ridge, Huntington, Woods, Royal Oak, Troy, Birmingham, Cranbrook, and more. 
It needs private parties and events. Yes, It needs some cosmetic upgrades but aside from that every season it’s prepped and ready. I think it is environmentally important to keep our pool out of the landfill and preserve and restore this city historical landmark— I absolutely consider this pool to be one of our town’s best and most classic features!!   * thank you for reading and the best way you can help preserve the pool that we have is to get out there and enjoy it! Talk to the management call the rec department email the city council all they have is a rendering right now. This pool is not even slated to be built for another five or so years. I believe we have time to extend the life of the pool we have at least until a new conceptual one is built.