The new Gordonsville pool is officially open.
Late last month, a crowd gathered to celebrate the completion of the zero-entry, regulation-size swimming pool constructed by Morgan-Keller. The new facility, complete with a bathhouse and concession stand, replaces the circa 1950s Dix Memorial Pool. Replacing the pool was a decades-long journey with various groups coming together to make it happen.
The approximately $3.9 million project was funded using an approximately $70,000 nest egg from previous fundraisers and contributions, combined with new fundraising efforts from Town to Trail, a nonprofit working to add and improve community spaces in Gordonsville, and land acquisitions by both the Piedmont Environmental Council and the town. Donations from private citizens were leveraged using matching grants, including a $1.6 million matching grant through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and a $1 million donation from the Manning Family Foundation.
Former mayor Bob Coiner said the new pool would have never been possible without those who chose to build the original pool decades ago. He said the land was donated to the town with the Lion’s Club operating the pool for approximately 30 years.
“As we developed this legacy of having a public pool, this is what made us want to continue,” he said. “We built this on the shoulders of the ones who came before us.”
Mayor Ron Brooks thanked all of those who played a part in making the dream of a new town pool come to fruition.
“It’s a surreal feeling; this has been talked about for so long and we’re now here together,” he said. Brooks said the pool is a “great equalizer” in the town and represents a place where “everyone is welcome,” and “folks can come together.”
The pool was scheduled to open directly after the ribbon cutting for Gordonsville Day with Gordonsville residents receiving free admission. However, that was pushed to Friday, Aug. 1 due to a last minute delay by the Virginia Health Department.
The opening of the pool marks the first phase of a multiphase approach to renovating Verling Park. The second phase includes replacing the existing pavilion and playground while also adding walking paths. Early estimates place that phase in the $2-3 million range. A request for proposals is expected to be issued in the coming weeks. A future phase could also be constructed with a multipurpose court and smaller picnic shelters. Grelen Nursery has donated trees for the park renovation project.
Town to Trail continues to fundraise for the next phase. According to secretary Liz Samra, the group has just about met its $35,000 fundraising for the event pavilion, which will replace the current park pavilion. That money will be matched 100% through a grant from the Perry Foundation.
To make a donation, visit Town to Trail online at https://www.towntotrail.org/donate or by mail to PO Box 132, Gordonsville VA 22942. Donations can also be made through the town online at https://pay.paygov.us/EndUser/PaymentAgency.aspx?ttid=22641 or by mail to Town of Gordonsville-Park Project, 112 S. Main Street, PO Box 276, Gordonsville, VA 22942.
The pool is currently open Tuesday through Sunday, 12-7 p.m. through Aug. 10. A complete schedule for the remainder of the month is being finalized with tentative plans to keep the facility open through September.
Admission for in-town residents, including those who live in the Town of Orange, is $4. Admission for out-of-town visitors is $10, discounted to $5 for seniors and military. The pool is available to rent outside of operating hours for private events. For more information, contact the pool at (540) 832-6085.
