Albany releases draft of Lincoln Park plan
State grant earmarked to help stop leaking in unique swimming pool
Residents warmly greeted a draft master plan for Lincoln Park on Tuesday, applauding plans to keep the shape of the iconic pool, incorporating native vegetation and enhancing and expanding sports fields.
The plan includes stabilizing the pool, which leaks 500,000 gallons of water a day, as well as add a community theater and gardens, nature and fitness paths, nature-inspired playground equipment, a slide park next to the pool, flower orchards and other native vegetation, and improved access into the park. The iconic pool first opened in 1931.
The unveiling of the Lincoln Park master plan was the culmination of several community forums and months of planning to come up with improvements to access and amenities for the Mansion Neighborhood park.
“We heard from everyone that the pool is the heart of the park,” said Glen Valentine, a principle at Stimson Landscape and Architects — the consultant leading the master plan design.
Residents gave ideas on what projects and initiatives could be pursued as part of the future of Lincoln Park, which is the site of a planned $45 million sewer facility that would be built across from the Thomas O’brien Academy of Science and Technology.
“Once you start losing those views into the park, the park becomes less usable and approachable,” said Chris Spencer, the city’s planning department commissioner.
He said there’s no one key element to the plan, but instead incorporates various aspects that residents wanted improved or added.
The city will continue to take feedback on the draft master plan and will incorporate those comments into the final draft, Valentine said.
Following the presentation, attendees were invited to provide feedback on the initial draft. Many praised the design elements — from plans for an arboretum to the slide features near the pool. Some expressed concerns about public safety and the cost of maintaining the park following improvements.
Albany Council member Derek Johnson, who is part of the group Friends of Lincoln Park, said he’s overall excited about the plan, but wants to ensure the 300-footwide, decades-old pool is maintained.
“The concern is keeping the size of the poll and the perimeter,” he said. “We’re feeling like voices were heard. We’re excited about some of things we heard.”
A $262,500 state grant will help Albany craft a design to upgrade the Lincoln Park pool and stop the leaking.