The Lennox swimming pool and bath house has been demolished. The bathhouse was the last relic at the pool site to be taken down. The demolition of the city pool, which included the pool, kiddie pool, bath house, sidewalk and fencing was completed by C. Dillon Digging for an estimated $35,698.69.
The Lennox city pool was originally constructed in 1959. It was reported in The Lennox Independent that the bid was awarded to Harold Elcock, of Lennox and Kelley Construction Co. The total cost of the swimming pool project was approximately $47,000, including engineering fees. Of this amount over $27,000 was raised by voluntary contributions and promotions, while the city floated a bond issue for $20,000. Throughout the year of 1959, stories in The Independent followed construction progress; citing that heavy rains slowed construction. Originally set for completion by May 31, 1959, the newspaper on June 25, 1959 reported that the swimming pool began full operation early that week.
It read, “Opening day at the new Lennox swimming pool saw a large number of children and adults take the first dip of the season and thoroughly enjoy this new facility. Rated among the finest pools in the state.”
With the demolition of the sixty year old pool, Lennox residents are looking forward to what’s to come.
For the past decade, talk of a new pool has circulated, and last year in October of 2018, Lennox residents once again supported a bond for a new swimming pool. This time in the amount of $1.7 million, as bid by Carrothers Construction Company of Paola, Kansas. The project is to include a zero-depth entry pool and pool house. The construction is scheduled to commence within the next month.
With demolition now complete, residents will no doubt be anxiously waiting to watch the new pool begin to take shape.