Update on Alva swimming pool construction

Dr. Kay Decker of the Alva Swimming Pool Committee provided this update on the pool construction:

The historic WPA Swimming Pool in Alva has undergone substantial changes over the past several months. The old pool basin has been demolished, and part of the apron has been removed. Fill dirt, sand, and gravel have been brought to the basin, and the concrete forms are being built.

The pump house is under construction now, and piping is being laid on rock. The historic concrete benches have been removed, will be refurbished, and put back into use once the new pool facility is nearly completed. The rains have slowed some aspects of the job, but the crew has continued working to keep the project on target. Rebar prep is being completed for the pump house at the present time. Concrete for the pit floor is scheduled to be poured during the final two weeks of May.

The bathhouse will undergo rehabilitation to bring it in alignment with contemporary building codes for swimming pools. It will maintain its historic importance as an Art Deco structure, and it will provide a space for a photographic narrative of the history of the pool facility. This will help ensure that the public understands the history and importance of this structure to the northwest region of the state of Oklahoma. This Swimming Pool Project has been five years in the planning phase and will be an outstanding recreational facility for the northwest part of the state for many years to come.