Renderings for the Cravens Pool renovation have been released and include a larger footprint, interactive play structures, more deck space, in-pool seating and zero-depth entry. City officials are hopeful the project will be complete in time for a grand opening in May 2024.
Owensboro Parks and Recreation Department Director Amanda Rogers said the design will significantly increase the size of the pool. She said plans include zero-depth entry, meaning the entry on the shallow end will be at ground level and the pool floor will slope gradually to the deep end. Rogers said the pool will cap at 4.5-5 feet deep.
Rogers said she is excited for the several interactive structures that are being added to the pool. The shallow end will have a multi-level play structure with a slide and spray features, as well as accessible water tables.
“We are really trying to improve the opportunity for play at this location, make it very interactive,” Rogers said. “We want to build a place that’s great for children to have extended playtime at the pool and … where they will be given opportunities to improve their growth and motor skills,” Rogers said.
The center of the pool will feature shade structures and an in-water bench along the wall that will allow guests to sit in the pool.
“That’s a great location for a mom who wants to watch her small kids when it’s hot outside, and she needs to be in the water. It’s also a good location for smaller kids to stand and jump off of and have another way to play,” she said.
The deep end of the pool will include an aqua rope where guests can swing over the water and drop in, a water curtain, and a drop bucket structure that will spill water over guests when filled.
A video breakdown of the new design and features can be watched here.
Rogers said they hope to place the project for bid by the end of August, with construction beginning in October. Rogers said consultants told her that should be enough time to complete the project in time for next summer.
Rogers told the City Commission on Tuesday that the project exceeds the budgeted $750,000. She was assured by City Manager Nate Pagan that they will be able to complete the project even with the extra cost.
“The Board of Commissioners supports the product and wants it to proceed in a manner that we deem appropriate. So in that scenario, we’ll endeavor to find the necessary funds and I’m confident we’ll be able to,” Pagan said.
Rogers declined to comment on the full expected price because it has yet to be bid out.
City Commissioners said they were pleased with the design of the pool, stating that the fixtures and elements would be a great amenity for the community.
Outside of the pools design, Rogers noted that they plan to incorporate more shade structures into the final design of the pool, however, that will be handled on a city manner and not from the chosen contractors.
Rogers noted that during peak days they would likely have three lifeguards at the pool, with two during slower periods. Rogers and Recreation Facilities Manager Jennifer Hodges said they are confident they’ll be able to staff the pool next summer when it opens.
“This year, I’m blessed with having 15 lifeguards, and they’ve done a great job,” Rogers said. “So I’m hoping that they return and then even more so we have enough, I would think, for both of the pools for next summer.”
