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NORTH ABINGTON TWP. — The Lackawanna State Park’s new swimming pool will see another winter before its grand opening, now scheduled for Memorial Day weekend 2016. The $4.5 million project, which started in the fall of 2014 and continued throughout the winter, was initially slated to open this summer.
It is, however, is expected to be worth the wait.
According to Park Manager Kevin Koflanovich, who made the grand opening announcement on Friday, Aug. 14, the new facilities will include a keystone-shaped pool that is 95 and 70 feet wide by 110 feet long and holds just over 200,000 gallons of water, a splash pad play area with various spray elements, women’s and men’s shower buildings, a food concession area and a lifeguard building. The pool will also feature two ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible ramps leading into the water from opposite ends.
“Essentially, the whole footprint of the pool been replaced,” said Koflanovich. “It’s a really beautiful facility.”
The new pool will replace the one that opened along with the park in 1972.
Koflanovich said construction is still underway, but nearing completion. The project included the removal of the previous circular-shaped pool and related buildings and replacement with the upgraded structures.
It was funded through Enhance Penn’s Woods, a two-year, $200 million state initiative to repair and update Pennsylvania parks and forests.
Entry fees for the new pool are still under review, but Koflanovich said the cost will likely be in line with that of the Frances Slocum State Park pool in Luzerne County.
Kaflanovich said the park staff is anticipating the 2016 grand opening along with the public.
“Everybody here is really looking forward to it,” he said.