Cravens Pool could still open this year, and the indoor sports facility is ahead of schedule and under budget, according to the City of Owensboro’s projects list.
Construction and weather delays have played a major role in the continued delayed opening of Cravens Pool. Officials had hoped it could open by Memorial Day weekend; now the hope is Labor Day.
“We continue to make good progress, though delayed, on Cravens Pool. We will open that facility and operate it for a weekend or two this season. We’re committed to doing that,” City Manager Nate Pagan said this week.
Pagan said they do not have a definitive opening date, but advised it should be announced in the coming days.
While Cravens Pool has suffered delays, the City’s indoor sports facility is faring better.
The design stage for the project — budgeted to cost $18 million — was completed in February. The bid process was successful, with the low bid coming in under the estimated cost.
“The apparent low bid is Envision Contracting at $16,500,000. The design team has completed the evaluation of the bids and should have the contract signed by the end of the week,” the projects list reads.
Pagan said they have a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for August 28, and the contractor will mobilize by the end of August.
The updated plan starts the construction period earlier than anticipated and moves the expected completion date from September 2026 to June of that year.
