Crews demolish city pool to make way for new complex

MIDDLETOWN — City wrecking crews were out last week at Veterans Memorial Park, razing the city pool to make way for a new, $2 million ultramodern facility.

In photos shared by Middletown Public Works Director William Russo, excavators jack hammered the cement, and carted off large chunks of the recreation area as well as knocked down the pavilion Sept. 10.

City officials took part in a “smash” party Aug. 26, which marked not only the end of the summer season, but the start of the project. The pool house will be gutted, and new lockers installed, along with a family/ gender-neutral restroom/changing area.

The area is expected to be ready in time for the 2022 summer season.

The work is being paid for with a portion of the $33.5 million parks bond voters passed in 2015. In-house services will save a great deal of money, Russo has said.

William Russo / Contributed photo The demolition of Veterans Memorial Pool on Walnut Grove Road in Middletown began Sept. 8.