FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Creekmore Pool is set to be significantly remodeled, beginning with the demolition of the bathhouse and diving well enclosure, according to a post by Fort Smith Parks and Recreation (FSPR).
"The bathhouse is 75 years old, and sometimes you look to rehabilitate things, but the building is too dilapidated," said FSPR Director Sara Deuster.
According to Deuster, crews will begin demolition on the project on April 11, and the new facility is projected to be opened to the public in May 2025.
Deuster said the city recognized the need for a remodel after receiving comments from Fort Smith residents and traveling swimmers.
"We have people from all around Arkansas who want to come here. They helped push and made people realize what kind of state this 75-year-old bathhouse is in," Deuster said. "Once we got feedback from not just Fort Smith citizens, but also people who want to come to Fort Smith, it kind of made us realize, 'Hey, this is a priority.'"
New models of the pool showcase a "modern bathhouse and covered diving well" that will "provide a premier municipal swimming facility, establishing Fort Smith as a leading venue for outdoor swim meets."
Ian Bullock has been the manager at Creekmore Pool for eight years, and according to him, renovations to the site will encourage more people to visit.
"It is iconic, and I think the citizens of Fort Smith and the surrounding area need this pool," Bullock said. "This is one of the only public pools in a huge area, but we're trying to maintain this and keep this for the public."
The project is set to include a year-round diving well to support competitions and training for local groups, including schools, fire departments, and the National Guard.
According to FSPR, the pool will cost a maximum of about $6 million, $700,000 below anticipated.
The pool will be open to the public throughout the renovation process.
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