Heavy equipment rolled in this week to begin demolition of the existing Forest Park Pool, with a grand vision for a bigger and better pool on the horizon.
“I am excited to see that dirt is turning. I am even more excited to see this facility come back to life,” said District 9 Councilmember Elizabeth Beck.
The initial demolition work involves carefully removing stones from the bathhouse to be repurposed in new elements of the facility. Later this week, heavy-duty demolition on the pool itself will begin.
The rebuilt Forest Park Pool will include eight 50-meter lanes, a new bathhouse, leisure pool and play features. Voters approved the 2022 Bond Program that included $11 million in funding for replacing Forest Park Pool.
Forest Park Pool opened on June 16, 1922, and underwent several renovations over the decades. In 2010, the pool closed because of structural issues. The pool reopened to the public in 2013 following $830,000 in repairs.
The new pool is expected to open to swimmers in 2024.
This summer, Marine Park Pool, 303 N.W. 20th St., will be open. Through a partnership between City of Fort Worth and YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, Fort Worth residents have access to the William M. McDonald YMCA seasonal outdoor pool and water park, 2701 Moresby St. This agreement allows residents the same hours and pricing as the City’s aquatic facilities. This agreement also includes equal pricing for swim lessons.