It’s not summer unless we’re sitting poolside and Forest Park Pool has been a place where Fort Worth families could soak up the sun for over a century. Before the city’s oldest aquatic facility undergoes renovations, we’re taking a look back at the pool’s 100 years of history + what’s to come.
Let’s dive in 🌊
1922 | Forest Park Pool opened on 120 acres in a then-remote area of the city at 2850 Park Pl Ave. It was designed by S.D. Lewis and constructed by J.F. Wills. The original design was circular and had no filtration system — meaning the pool had to be drained and refilled every week.
The pool spanned 250 feet and was nine feet deep in the center. Alongside the pool was a large two-story bathhouse designed by local architect Joseph R. Pelich.
1967-1991 | Major renovations took place including updating the shape of the pool, adding a zero-depth entry, a filtration system, a new bathhouse + the additional two diving boards and three waterslides.
2010-2013 | The pool was shut down for structural issues costing about $830,000 in repairs. A new concrete deck, better handicap access, lounge chairs, and picnic tables were added before it reopened to the public.
New and improved 💸
Back in May, voters approved a $560 million bond package aimed at improving existing city facilities, including Forest Park Pool. The 2022 Bond Program includes $11 million in funding to demolish the existing pool and construct a new one. Here are a couple of additions that we could see:
- Eight 50-meter lap lanes
- Leisure pool
- Active water play elements
- Interactive area with a slide
- New bathhouse with changing rooms
The Complete Design Development phase for the new facility is expected to wrap up this month. Construction is expected to start early next year (January/February) and finish by spring 2024.