Jefferson City plans $1.5 million renovation for Memorial Park Pool
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Jefferson City is planning a major renovation of Memorial Park Pool, with the goal of extending the life of the longtime community pool for another 10-15 years.
The project is expected to cost between $1.2 million-$1.5 million, according to Parks Director Aaron Grefrath. The city plans to begin construction in August 2027, with the project expected to be completed by summer 2028.
The renovation will focus on the pool's infrastructure, including the pool basin, gutters, pumps, filters, plumbing and controls. The project will also include concrete work and updates to one of the pool's play features. The pool's last major renovation was in 1993.
Grefrath said the city has continued routine maintenance on the pool over the years. However, a 2024 facility assessment by Water's Edge found several major components were nearing or had reached the end of its expected service life.
"Memorial Pool has been a longstanding and valued part of our community for many years, and we are committed to extending its useful life and continuing its service to the community for as long as possible," Grefrath wrote in an email.
Part of the renovation will be paid for through the Parks Department's operating budget. The remainder will come from the portion of the city's Capital Improvement Tax revenue allocated to Parks each year.
The Parks Department is also proposing to use about $1 million from the Parks half-cent sales tax for several capital projects, including:
- $26,980 for general replacements at The Linc
- $69,777 for a new digital sign at Washington Park
- $186,318 for a new HVAC unit at the Washington Park Ice Arena
- $750,000 for repairs to Memorial Park Pool
According to the city agenda, sales-tax revenue is currently projected to come in about $360,000 above budget.
The Parks Fund had $5,219,440 in its fund balance at the end of June 2026. Memorial Park Pool closed for the season Monday, sending residents to Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool to cool off.
Christina Bennett, a local resident, said her children especially enjoy Memorial Park Pool because of its features.
"My kids love Memorial, but either way I enjoy both because I'm in the water," Bennett said. "But Memorial does have a lot more fun things to do than Riverside. So the kids love that one, the slides and leap-pads."
The city said Memorial Park Pool typically sees nearly 10,000 visitors per season. Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool is scheduled to remain open through Labor Day.
