Davis Islands, Fla. (WFLA) – After nine months of repairs, the historic Roy Jenkinspool of the Davis Islands is reopening to the community.
The city spent hundreds of thousands of dollars repairing the facility after last year’s hurricane.
The reopening is especially fun news for regulars like Laurie Benson, who has been in the pool for decades.
“I’ve been in this pool since I was five,” Benson said.
Benson comes to fitness classes with friends and calls this almost 100-year-old gem a irreplaceable gem in Tampa.
“When it was closed after the flood, we went to several other city pools. We’re happy they’re there, but this pool is very different and very different and very beautiful,” Benson said.
The historic pool was closed for almost a year due to severe damage from last year’s storm.
The repair costs more than $600,000, and officials said there will be many steps and some set-offs to reopen the facility.
“All the vendors, specialist equipment, but what we found was that even what we thought was functional, when we put that pump in, something else broke.
The pool was built in 1929, but these new repairs are expected to help the community for another century.
“The amenities are just spaces to cool down on aquatic safety through ‘learning to swim’ lessons for fitness,” said Tony Markey, director of parks and recreation.
For regulars like Benson, that’s it.
“When you’re 70, you’re out, physical, social, and you have a life. This facility gives it to me.
Once the pool reopens, it will be open at different times per day.
Closed Monday. Tuesday – Thursday, 7am to 7pm, Friday 7am to 11:30am, 2:30pm to 7pm to 7pm to 4pm, 10am to 4pm
Click here for information about Tampa City pools and their times.
