Lincoln Park pool opens
Web Posted: 06/08/2005 12:00 AM CDT

Edmundo Conchas
Express-News Staff Writer

East San Antonio's Lincoln Park swimming pool finally is making waves.

After more than two years of renovations, the pool was put into use June 3 marking the official opening of the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department's outdoor swimming facilities for the summer.

''I think that this is huge,'' said Rodney Dziuk, parks design superintendent.

Cracks and leaks had been discovered in the pool and the bathhouse also needed some renovations to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act mandates.

''Our goal was to meet those guidelines,'' Dziuk said. ''But then we realized that it didn't make sense to simply upgrade. It made much more sense for us to start from scratch. I mean that pool is a little over 50 years old.''

Initially, the park received just under $500,000 two years ago from the Urban Park Recreation and Recovery Program. Additional funds came from state and local sources. The project cost came to about $714,000.

Work done on the facilities included construction of a new bathhouse after the demolition of the old one as well as the necessary ADA changes. Additionally, new mechanical systems were installed as well as a new playground nearby. New fencing also was installed around the pool area.

''We had to do a lot of work but the entire area around the pool got rehabbed,'' he said.

The project initially was slated for completion before summer 2004 but bad weather delays caused the project to get behind schedule. The work was completed this past November.

In a letter to Parks and Recreation officials, Charles English, president of nearby Jefferson Heights Association, thanked them for their persistence in finishing the project.

''The Jefferson Heights Association remains encouraged that we will soon enjoy adding additional features,'' English said.



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Online at: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/neighbors/stories/MYSA060805.1H.SS.lincolnpool.2e984be59.html


By Edmundo Conchas