HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR Moores Pool March 2021
OFFICE OF MAYOR ANDY SCHOR
124 W. Michigan Avenue – Ninth Floor
Lansing, MI 48933
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Marchand
Friday, March 26, 2021 517-230-4904
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Historic Moores Park Pool Rehabilitation
Assessment Report Complete
(LANSING) – The City of Lansing today announced that the rehabilitation assessment report of the
historic Moores Park Pool conducted by WTA Architects is now complete. WTA’s report includes data
regarding the probable cost of proper rehabilitation of the pool, fundraising options and other
observations.
WTA’s report provides two overall rehabilitation options and the probable associated costs. The two
rehabilitation cost options are broken down into three different categories, including immediate
necessary and maintenance costs. Option 1, preferred by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
and the U.S. National Park Service includes design of a pool wall that is expected to last 20 years.
The total estimated cost of Option 1 is up to approximately $4.8 million. Option 2 corrects additional
code deficiencies as discussed with the Michigan Health Department and includes design of a pool
wall that is expected to last roughly 50 years. The total estimated cost of Option 2 is approximately
$6.3 million.
“This report provides much needed data and information as we look at what it would cost to properly
rehabilitate the Moores Park Pool. The City has many financial demands for necessary services,
recreation, roads and sidewalks, and safety needs across the entire city. I look forward to working with
the Friends of the Moores Park Pool on a community fundraising plan, potential grant opportunities
and collaborating with them as we move forward,” said Mayor Schor.
The Friends of the Moores Park Pool is a group of Lansing area residents who have come together to
work in conjunction with the City of Lansing to preserve this historic summer landmark. The Friends
of the Moores Park Pool has nearly reached its goal to raise $30,000 to pay for 50% of the overall cost
of the assessment.
"To protect the oldest surviving Bintz pool in America, our group is focused on restoring and
maintaining this historic gem as an invaluable asset and community space for generations to come,"
said Veronica Gracia-Wing, chair of the Friends of the Moores Park Pool. “As this process continues to
evolve, we are committed to strong citizen advocacy for the pool and to strategically and creatively
explore all possible options for its next chapter."
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Designed by former Lansing City Engineer Wesley Bintz and built in 1922, the J.H. Moores Memorial
Natatorium—known as the Moores Park Pool—is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
There are more than 100 Bintz-designed pools in municipalities across the country. For the past ten
decades, the pool has provided summer recreation, swim lessons and athletic competitions, social
interaction and relaxation to Lansing residents and beyond. When open, the Moores Park Pool operates
seven days a week, 10 weeks out of the year.
Read the report in its entirety: https://www.lansingmi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12263/Final-
Report-2020054-ps
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