City Of Madison Officials Break Ground on Crystal Beach Aquatic Center

Completion is set for May 2024

The City of Madison held the groundbreaking on Tuesday for the Crystal Beach Aquatic Center on Vaughn Drive

Tony Steinhardt Economic Development Director opened the program and gave a brief history of the pool Crystal Beach Swimming Pool is a national landmark that was constructed in 1938 during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration. The pool is known for its iconic semi-circular design, enjoyed by all who visit its shores ever since.

Madison Mayor Bob Courtney gave the following statement regarding the pool and its rich history in the community "Crystal Beach has been at the heart of our community since its grand opening in 1938. There is no doubt in my mind that it will carry on this legacy for our children and their children to come, preserving the historical impact this facility has had on countless madisonians over the past century," said Madison's Mayor, Bob Courtney. "Through careful design and intentional planning, we can take this profound step in restoring such a historic structure to its former glory, extending its life well beyond our own generation."

 RLTurner Corporation, Bethany Legacy Foundation and our county commissioners all gave remarks regarding funding to help make the project become a reality 

Below are some facts from the City of Madison Website on information who is involved with this estimated $7.3 million dollar project.

Partners:  City of Madison, Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), Redevelopment Commission, K Norman Berry Associates Architects, Councilman-Hunsaker (pool consultant) and KPFF Consulting

Developer/Contractor: RL Turner 

Location: Crystal Beach Swimming Pool located at 404 W. Vaughn Drive

Project Summary: After a pool audit was conducted in 2020, the scope of the pool house project was expanded to include renovations to the swimming pool and pool deck. During this audit, it was identified the pool liner needed to be replaced. After the liner was removed, significant structural damage was revealed, and the filtration lines had failed.

After discussions with the consultant team and structural engineer, a recommendation was made for a complete pool replacement. The city began to develop new plans to save the icon structure while rebuilding the pool from the ground up. The new Crystal Beach Aquatic Park project will preserve the "seashore" design while adding features that will serve individuals of all abilities: an activity tower for children, lap lanes, a lazy river, two slides, a diving board, a wet deck, chairs and umbrellas.

View the project update presentation HERE

Anticipated Project Schedule: Demolition began in late fall of 2022, and the project is anticipated to be complete in May of 2024.

Estimated Costs: $7.3 million

Funding Sources: City of Madison, City of Madison Redevelopment Commission, Jefferson County, Bethany Legacy Foundation and the Community Foundation of Jefferson County