The cannonballs, swim strokes and high dives returned to the Ron Levy Aquatics Center on June 18. A three-month pool and facility renovation was complete, and local officials celebrated with a ribbon-cutting to mark the reopening.
Last February, the Olympic-sized pool at Islamorada’s Founders Park was shut down so contractors could install a new pool interior surface. The pool was constructed in 2001. Conditions were deteriorating, which led the village to embark on a large-scale project.
The pool’s mechanical systems were also upgraded, as were the lighting, railings, scoreboard and locker rooms. A new enclosed lifeguard First Aid office and break room was added to enhance staff security and safeguard equipment.
The 50-meter by 25-yard Olympic pool has depths ranging from 4 to 12.6 feet, with a diving well with four springboards. The pool hosts many swim programs, including synchronized swimming and Coral Shores High School swim teams and lessons for those young and old.
In total, the project cost was just over $3 million. The Monroe County Tourist Development Council provided a $436,000 grant. Mayor Don Horton told attendees the project was done on time — and on budget.
“If you see the engineering that’s back there for this pool, it’s absolutely amazing,” Horton said.
Officials from the village, county, sheriff’s office and Tourist Development Council, as well as Islamorada Chamber of Commerce members and the public, joined to celebrate the reopening.
Synchronized swimmers with the Synchro Sirens concluded the celebration with a performance in the pool.
