IOWA CITY, Iowa — Generations of Iowa City families have cherished the City Park Pool, a beloved community landmark steeped in nostalgia. For resident Missie Forbes, the memories span decades.
“It was also a pool that I went to when I was a child, and so we had a lot of fond memories. I’m sharing that with my children as well,” Forbes said.
That legacy is now poised for a major update. The City of Iowa City has finalized a $13.7 million construction contract with City Construction to renovate the pool. Including costs for architectural and design services, the total project budget stands between $16 and $17 million. The funding has already been allocated in the city’s budget, clearing the way for construction to begin as early as next month.
“We are still somewhere in that $16-17 million range. There is no extra money,” said Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation. “I know a lot of people have other ideas of how we could spend more on this project. We’re just really feeling fortunate to move forward with what we have now.”
The year-long renovation will transform the facility into a modern, inclusive space designed to serve a broader range of community members. The updated complex will feature three pools, including a six-lane, 50-meter lap pool with depths ranging from 3.5 to 5 feet—designed to be both walkable and swimmable.
While the upgrades have been met with enthusiasm, the community must temporarily part with the pool, as it will remain closed for the upcoming season. Still, residents remain optimistic.
“While I love the history of the City Park Pool, they’ve really tried to maintain a lot of the aspects that people love or are endearing, while bringing it up to modern-day standards,” Forbes said.
The project reflects a balance between preserving tradition and embracing progress, ensuring that future generations can continue to build memories at a facility that remains a cornerstone of Iowa City life.
