OGDENSBURG, N.Y. (WWTI) – The City of Ogdensburg will be getting a big boost to improve its municipal swimming pool.
In a release from Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, the Elsa M. Luksich public pool will be getting just over $2.5 million in funding to renovate the pool.
Some of the improvements include fixing the pool and bathhouse complex. This includes replacing the pool surface, decking, filtration system and plumbing, making the facility accessible for individuals with disabilities, and modernizing the bathhouse.
This part of an plan of nearly $150 million in capital grants have been awarded to fund 37 projects in underserved communities across the State as part of the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative – New York’s biggest investment in swimming since the New Deal.
Thanks to the NY SWIMS grant, the City of Ogdensburg can address our pool infrastructure issues, expand water recreation through the addition of a Splash pad, and at the same time provide children and their families safe spaces to learn how to swim and prevent childhood drowning.
Ogdensburg Mayor Michael Tooley
The program provides grants between $50,000 and $10 million to help municipalities design, construct, rehabilitate, or modernize public swimming facilities, with a focus on supporting disadvantaged and underserved communities that lack access to safe swimming and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Also, SUNY Potsdam will partner with Potsdam Middle School to increase access to learn to swim classes as well other community groups in the area. This is part of a plan that will expand access to free or low cost learn-to-swim classes, and lifeguard or water safety instructors training and certification. In addition, several SUNY campuses are including options for adaptative swimming for children with disabilities.