Abandon ship. Popular Lexington pool pirate ship, no longer seaworthy, to be removed.

Beth Musgrave
·1 min read

A pirate ship in the center of the Woodland Park pool that has been a popular attraction for Lexington kids for nearly 24 years is no longer seaworthy and is being removed, city officials announced Monday.

“We understand the Woodland pool pirate ship is an historic and beloved water feature, generations of families have enjoyed this iconic feature. However, the safety of our aquatics operations is our number one priority,” said Monica Conrad, director of Lexington parks and recreation.

The Woodland Aquatic Center opened in May 1997.

An inspection this spring found extensive corrosion to several structural components on the U.S.S. Woodland.

The crow’s nest was removed Monday and more extensive demolition will occur later Monday evening, city officials said.

There is good news. The pirate ship will be replaced. However, not in time for the pool’s opening May 29.

Conrad said the city is working with suppliers to replace the ship. A replacement will likely not be available until 2022.

City crews remove the crow’s nest of the pirate ship Monday at Woodland pool during the ship’s removal.
City crews remove the crow’s nest of the pirate ship Monday at Woodland pool during the ship’s removal.

Editors Note: An earlier version of this story and headline incorrectly stated the pirate ship was 30 years old. The Woodland Aquatic Center opened in May 1997.