Gandy Pool
Gandy Pool | David Dickey Jr.
2-minute read

The city of Lakeland’s Gandy Pool at the Kelly Recreation Center, the site of many swim meets, is closing for resurfacing starting Jan. 2; the pool is projected to reopen in April.

The $433,000 project will include a new quartz aggregate finish, along with the removal and replacement of pool tiles, including wall targets (used in competitive swimming) and lane lines.

The complex has a 10-lane, 25-yard heated pool with a one-meter diving board and shallow recreational pool.

The project marks the first major resurfacing since the pool was last renovated in 2004.

“The upgrades will ensure that the pool meets USA Swimming regulations for use in sanctioned swim meets,” city Communications Director Kevin Cook said in a press release.

Simpson Park Pool: The city’s other pool, located at Simpson Park, has been closed for repairs since June. It is currently scheduled to open the first week of January and will remain open with limited hours throughout the week, Cook said.

The Simpson Park repairs ended up being more complicated, costlier and taking longer than originally anticipated after the pool’s liner separated from the wall.

Because the Simpson Park pool is unheated, staff will provide updates on pool temperatures so swimmers can plan accordingly. Check lakelandgov.net/swimming for updates on the project, including alternative swimming options and hours.

YMCA option: The city’s recreation staff has partnered with the Lakeland Family YMCA of West Central Florida on Cleveland Heights Boulevard to offer another option during the closure. Swimmers can purchase a daily or weekly pass to use the YMCA:.

  • Daily passes: $5 for those 17 and younger; $10 for those over 18.
  • Weekly passes: $25 per person; $40 for family passes, which includes two adults and an unlimited number of children.

Finishing by Baker, a contractor based in Naples, is performing the work at Gandy Pool.

“City officials are optimistic that the project will be completed on schedule, and Gandy Pool will reopen in early April 2024,” Cook said.

Recreation

SEND CORRECTIONS, questions, feedback or news tips: newstips@lkldnow.com

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

Kimberly C. Moore, who grew up in Lakeland, has been a print, broadcast and multimedia journalist for more than 30 years. Before coming to LkldNow in the spring of 2022, she was a reporter for four years with The Ledger, first covering Lakeland City Hall and then Polk County schools. She is the author of “Star Crossed: The Story of Astronaut Lisa Nowak," published by University Press of Florida. Reach her at kimberly@lkldnow.com or 863-272-9250.

Leave a comment

Your thoughts on this? (Comments are moderated; first and last name are required.)