Making a splash: Greenwich's $60 million Olympic pool dream

Last week, the Greenwich school board heard a presentation about options to renovate or rebuild the GHS pool. The pool feasibility study was presented here. For $8 million you get a renovated pool and 1-2 year relocation during the process. For $60 million you get a brand new Olympic sized pool and eight new relocated tennis courts.

The pool was constructed in 1968 and is significantly out of compliance with current codes. Compliance issues include diving height clearances, pool deck emergency accessibility, blocked drainage and location of filtration/backwash systems. The consultant recommended a 1-2 year shut down for renovations that are estimated to cost $8 million.

The $60 million plan (Option 5) is a brand new pool built on the site of the existing tennis courts. New tennis courts would be built at North Street School and the old pool structure would be repurposed into another sports space. A new egress/driveway as part of the plan would have the added benefit of easing traffic bottleneck concerns of neighbors. If approved, you would have to wait until 2030 for completion.

According to this Greenwich Free Press report, the design architect said that adding new locker rooms, including visitor locker rooms, would be a great amenity for a big swim meet. This would help with rental opportunities and create a "real community" pool.

Concerns were raised about the location of the tennis courts off the GHS campus and the significant tree removal and impervious area of the eight new courts at North Street. A question was raised about why the new courts were not part of the Central Middle School building and the answer was, it's too late.

Between the Lines: Your choice: $8 million for a necessary fix or $60 million for a generational investment.

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