Kettering Recreation Complex pool closes; crews to replace bubble

KETTERING — The city’s two-year park improvement project is moving forward with some significant changes at the Kettering Recreation Complex this month.

The swimming pool at the rec center closed Sunday so crews can replace the existing bubble roof with a translucent retractable roof and expand the pool deck. Kettering Parks Director Mary Beth Thaman said the city plans to have the pool reopened by early summer, possibly in June.

“By Feb. 1, we’ll know the time line better,” Thaman said. “The steel that supports the roof is key, because we’re putting a rectangular roof on a circular (pool structure).”

The pool project will cost about $900,000, but will save money on energy costs and weather cancellations and allow the city to host more events and programs at the pool. Thaman has said it will improve lighting, acoustics and handicap accessibility as well.

Swimmers displaced by the project can use some surrounding pools, including the Washington Twp. Recreation Center and Dayton’s Lohrey Center, on a paid drop-in basis without a membership.

Other improvements

Thaman said the main entrance and lobby of the recreation complex are scheduled to reopen in mid-January, at which time the Lathrem Center entrance will close so new doors, carpet and paint can be added.

The walking track above the gymnasium is expected to reopen Feb. 1, a slight delay from previous estimates due to scheduling conflicts.

The large new fitness addition is under construction, with much of the steel superstructure in place, and is expected to open in early spring, according to Thaman. She complimented the work done so far by Kendall Construction and said the entire rec center project should be finished by Memorial Day.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2278 or jkelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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