Athena’s swimming pool set to reopen after renovations

Athena’s swimming pool set to reopen after renovations

Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, June 2, 2026

ATHENA — The metropolis of Athena will have a good time the reopening of its almost 100-year-old swimming pool after elevating greater than $300,000 for renovations.

The metropolis closed the pool early in the summertime of 2025 because of its situation, and now has tentatively scheduled reopening the pool on June 22. Mayor Becky Schroeder stated metropolis workers is happy concerning the upgrades and expanded swim choices the town shall be providing.

Schroeder stated the challenge raised $243,000 from exterior funds, and the town added one other $76,095.

Upgrades embrace epoxy injections for cracks and recaulking of growth joints. The whole pool, in-built 1928, was resealed with Inter-Glass coating. Work is ongoing and anticipated to be full earlier than the June 22 reopening.

City presents swim classes as soon as extra

Schroeder stated the town will supply three periods of swim classes with 4 ranges every session. This is the primary time the town has provided swim classes since 2023.

“In the past, we have contracted with the Y to hire our lifeguards, including offering swim lessons,” Schroeder stated. “In recent years, especially since COVID, the applications for lifeguarding have greatly diminished, and the Y was simply not able to offer all of the services it had been giving due to lack of available staff. This is a problem that has been experienced in local pools all across the nation.”

Last yr the town employed Jen Thul as metropolis recorder. Thul works carefully with highschool college students as a volleyball coach and inspired them to use for lifeguard jobs.

“A strong team worked last summer and, despite the pool having to close early, nearly all were willing and excited to return this summer,” Schroeder stated.

Expanded swimming hours

Schroeder stated the pool additionally shall be open for prolonged hours every day this yr and there shall be two household swim nights per week. The pool additionally will function with prolonged hours throughout Hodaka Days and the Caledonian Games.

Schroeder had a easy reply for the way the pool has been in a position to final almost 100 years.

“They don’t build things like they used to,” she stated. “The pool was constructed well when it was originally built. It has rebar every 6 inches from the original construction and has had regular maintenance by the city ever since.”

Schroeder referred to as the pool and Athena City Park the “heartbeat” of the town.

“The park and its pool have long been a point of deep meaning to the community,” Schroeder stated. “Literally generations of kids have been raised going to the pool all summer long, with some of them eventually becoming its lifeguards. That is exactly why you have seen such an outpouring of love and generosity from some members of the community to ensure that the pool continues to open each summer.”