Historic Binghamton Pool To Be Demolished

A once-popular neighborhood swimming pool in Binghamton is about to vanish.

Gorick Construction has been hired to tear down the pool in First Ward Park.

The facility, located off Seymour Avenue, was closed several years ago when city officials decided needed repairs would be too costly.

Gorick submitted a bid of $64,000 to demolish the pool.

City officials say asbestos abatement work has been completed at the site. Demolition work is expected to get underway soon.

Signs indicate the pool was constructed to honor those who served in World War Two.

First Ward residents for years had hoped the existing pool could be fixed so it could return to use. Some also had urged the city to build a replacement pool for the park.

Mayor Richard David says the city could not afford to build another similar pool at the site.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, David said the projected cost of repairing the existing pool exceeded one-million dollars.

The mayor indicated it's possible a smaller facility might be considered for the park. He said the city is considering the options of building a small pool or a spray pad at the site.