Columbus City Pools set to reopen later than expected: why the delay?
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Columbus residents have been patiently waiting for the reopening of Columbus City Pools. However, city councilors are asking them to wait just a while longer.
The city of Columbus is experiencing delays with the reopening of city pools, which will leave local residents high and dry come Memorial Day weekend in late May.
Renovations are still underway at Rigdon Road, Shirley B. Winston and Psalmond Road pools after being shut down in 2017. This is the first time the pools have been renovated since they opened in 2002.
The pools were originally expected to reopen in May 2024. However, a design issue hit a snag with state regulations, causing the completion dates for all three pools to be pushed back.
There was a need in the designs that were made by our contractor to address the lifeguards. So there were some shaded areas where they did not think a lifeguard needed to be per the design. But the health department says a lifeguard needs to be there. So they had to redo the designs. And now we’re waiting for the permit to be approved.
Toyia Tucker, Columbus City Council District 4
City councilors hope the reopening of the pools will positively impact public safety, curbing violence across Columbus.
It does have a measurable and significant impact on the level of crime that we have in our city, among some other things. But our youth just doesn’t have anything to do. Often they turn to the streets. So, the more that we can beef up our parks and recreation departments, the more we can get those departments up and running to exceed expectations, the better off we’re going to be with lower crime rates.
Joanne Cogle, Columbus City Council District 7
Tucker describes the delay to citizens as good news and bad news.
Finally, you see some traction, you see the active developer is out there, the people are working in the area. You know, you see that bad news? Yes, I am disappointed. Just like the citizens, I am a citizen of District four with children, you know, And I, I wanted to have a big pool party in May, you know, after Memorial Day weekend and invite people. I have the sheriff out there with the mobile gaming unit. Then we just make it a big block party, you know, happy event. It’s not going to happen.
Toyia Tucker, Columbus City Council District 4
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