By Annie Andrews aandrews@nebraska.tv
Facebook / Twitter @NTVAnnieAndrews
Grand Island officials dove into the reality of a new Lincoln Park Pool on Monday. After 40 years, the rundown pool is getting torn out, making way for a $1.67 million facility.
Officials said it will be bringing new life to the neighborhood. The Lincoln neighborhood as it stands doesn't have much else, which was one of the biggest arguments over this pool getting rebuilt. Without this, all that would be left is the elementary school because the nearest convenience store is still more than a mile away.
Before the kids can once again dive in, they needed to dig in. "Two years ago council was debating what to do with the Lincoln pool," said Chad Nabity in his opening remarks explaining the progression of the pool's overhaul.
One option they considered was an option Tammy Brown wouldn't allow, tearing down the
pool brick by brick and not rebuilding. "I couldn't see it happening because this is a place for people to come together and be able to swim," said Brown.
For the 45 years Tammy lived in the Lincoln neighborhood, 40 summers were filled with the sounds of splash. "It was just 2 blocks away from my house," said Brown of the pool. "It was great, we didn't have to go to the other big pool and walk halfway across town to go swimming."
That's truly the only option for these kids had Community Redevelopment Authority not been able to bond the project. Now, with $200,000 pledged over the next eight years, the CRA is helping to keep the tradition living on.
"It means a lot because I live right across the street, when it's hot out we just go over there," said Atong Dau Kot, a teen living in the Lincoln neighborhood.
The pool is a big part of this small neighborhood that some saw as sliding into decline. "The thing I'm struck with is how much pride the people of this neighborhood have for their neighborhood," said Councilman Larry Carney.
Residents will be able to jump in the pool in ten months said officials. "I might bring my swim suit and jump in," said Councilman Gericke. Residents are hoping to jump in for another 40 years, making memories with the next generation.
"It's a great day for the neighborhood," said Brown.
