Construction Set to Begin on New North Tonawanda Aquatic Facility

     After years of planning, funding efforts, and delays, North Tonawanda officials are preparing to move forward with construction of a new aquatic facility that will replace the long-closed Memorial Pool.

     Mayor Austin Tylec recently confirmed that contracts have now been approved, finally clearing the way for work to begin at the Payne Park site. The project has been in development for more than six years and is intended to modernize recreational offerings while addressing longstanding safety concerns tied to the aging Memorial Pool.

     The original pool, which opened in 1947, was permanently closed in 2023 after officials determined it had deteriorated beyond safe use. The structure had significant code deficiencies and accessibility limitations including an inability to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

     With construction now expected to begin soon, city officials are expecting a roughly 9-month build timeline with the goal of opening the new facility in time for the 2027 summer swim season.

     The new aquatic complex will feature a mix of traditional and modern elements designed to increase usage and broaden appeal. Plans include two separate pools, one outfitted with lap lanes and another designed for recreational use. The site will also include water slides, a splash pad-style aquatic playground, a concession stand, updated locker facilities, and expanded parking.

     Officials expect the new facility to draw significantly higher attendance than the former Memorial Pool. While the previous pool saw approximately 13,000 visitors per season before its closure, projections estimate the new site could attract more than 60,000 annually.

     Part of that anticipated increase is tied to the inclusion of splash pad features, which have grown in popularity across Western New York. These types of installations are generally less expensive to operate than traditional pools because they do not require lifeguards and can remain open for longer periods.

     The total cost of the project has risen over time due to inflation and expanded design elements, climbing to approximately $9.9 million. However, city officials emphasized that the overwhelming majority of the funding – nearly 90% –  has been secured through grants, including more than $4 million in federal support.

     Additional upgrades, such as decorative fencing, artificial turf, and enhanced lighting, were retained in the final plan after the city was able to keep costs lower than initially expected.

     The decision to move forward with a new outdoor facility came after the city evaluated the possibility of building an indoor pool. However, studies showed that an indoor complex would likely operate at a substantial annual deficit – roughly $500,000 per year – making it financially unsustainable.

     While attention is now focused on the new construction, the future of the original Memorial Pool structure remains unresolved. Officials have not finalized a plan for the site, though demolition estimates are approaching $1 million.

     Administration officials are exploring options that could preserve elements of the historic structure in a meaningful way, particularly given its origin as a memorial to World War II veterans. Ideas under consideration include incorporating portions of the existing facade into the new development or repurposing the space for community events.

     Residents have gone without a public pool since 2023. Temporary alternatives have included limited swim programming at local school facilities, but those options have not replaced the role Memorial Pool once played in the community.

     The new facility is expected to serve not only local residents but also attract visitors from surrounding areas, potentially benefiting nearby businesses and contributing to economic activity in the city.

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Construction Set to Begin on New North Tonawanda Aquatic Facility