Neighbors who saved pool float rebuilding plan
Chastain Park: Upgrades have been approved, but the money for the proposed complex hasn't been raised.

By H.M. Cauley
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/08/07

It's been more than six years since neighbors in the Chastain Park area came to the rescue of their community pool. The favorite swimming hole, on West Wieuca Road in Chastain Park, was built in 1942 but was slated to be closed when area residents rallied to keep it open.

"It was condemned and set to be demolished but we were able to show the city how to make it operational," said Jim King, one of the residents who led the effort. "But the [neighborhood] civic association didn't want to run it, so we started a charitable nonprofit, the North Atlanta Swim Association, to operate it for the city."

More than 350 families have bought memberships in the association. The support has been so strong that the association board began planning for a bigger and better pool to replace the old one. With private grants and money from the city's Parks Department, they came up with specifications for an indoor-outdoor complex that recently has met with approval from the civic association, Neighborhood Planning Unit A and the city.

Now all they need is the money.

"It will be a $15 to $20 million facility," said resident Jennifer Klein. "So far, we've gotten a positive response to the idea, so we have a great deal of confidence that we can raise the money."

The design of the new pool complex, called the Chastain Park Athletic Club, includes demolishing the existing facility. In its place will be a 50-meter indoor pool; an outdoor pool with a diving well; a zero-entry kiddie pool with a slide; training and locker rooms; an office; concessions area; classrooms; and an event area what can be rented out to help defray operating expenses.

"Our focus is on aquatic sports, lessons and lifesaving training," said King, who heads the Athletic Club board. "We also have a swim team, the Tidal Waves, that started in 2003 that has about 175 kids in it each summer. We've been trying to do a bit more each year."

One thing that won't change with the new facility is how it's used. Memberships will still be available to households for $350 and individuals for $175. That fee gives swimmers exclusive use of the property after 5 p.m. Nonmembers can swim for free during certain weekday hours or pay a small admission on afternoons and weekends.

"It's a public facility that will continue to be so, but it will be run in a public-private manner," said King.

The group currently is looking for lead donors to get the fund-raising effort under way. How soon they can come up with the funds will determine the construction schedule, said King.

"If we have the money this spring, we'll break ground in August," he said. "If it takes long- er, it will be next fall and we will open no later than June 1 the following summer. Either way, the community is not going to lose the season at the pool."

Details about the plan are online at www.northatlantaswim.org.

Chastain Park Athletic Club An artist's rendering shows the new aquatic complex in Chastain Park, which includes a natatorium with an indoor competition pool; two outdoor community pools; and an adjacent three-story clubhouse with locker facilities, concessions/coffee shop, and training room and event level.