13-02-2025
Dawson Pool opening looks promising
ASHLAND It may have been a dreary evening on the outside, but the forecast felt sunny and bright with recent City of Ashland updates involving the opening of Dawson Pool this summer season.
Public Service Director Sean Murray informed the board of commissioners the most extensive renovations of the city pool were behind them and current work consists of putting all the pieces back together.
Murray said the capital project was initiated last year with a primary focus on safety and getting the pool up to code.
Accomplished so far include a complete new drainage, plumbing and new filtration systems.
The task list still consists of a new electrical system and conduit, scheduled to be installed this week by the city's park department.
Contractors will also be re-pouring and patching concrete in the pool itself before the pool deck can be poured, pending weather conditions.
'There were a lot of significant cracks that were happening underneath. The support system had started to fail, so, again, our first aim was to make sure it was safe to the public,' Murray said, adding 100 to 400 families utilize the amenity daily during the peak season.
The last items to be completed are hooking up the new filtration systems and replacing the 40-year-old pool lining — which Murray said typically only lasts about 15-20 years.
Installation of the new lining should begin in late April or the first week of May.
'I do want to give a shoutout to the city and to the leadership that has kind of allowed us to make this update,' Murray said.
'We are scheduled right now to be open, on time, for Memorial Day weekend,' Murray added.
Mayor Chuck Charles requested that in the event the opening would need to be postponed, to alert the commission so proper notice can be given to the public.
'We've crested the hill now,' Murray said. 'Right now we anticipate no issues to prohibit that from happening.'
In other action:
• Commissioners approved a resolution that would have the city oppose any bills proposed during the state's general assembly session that would mandate centralized collection of local fees or taxes.
Mayor Chuck Charles said, according to the Kentucky League of Cities, proposed legislature essentially wants to centralize tax collection, to which the mayor said he believes 'we're doing just fine by ourselves.'
• Commissioners approved the addition of City Engineer Steve Corbitt and Economic Development Specialist Katherine Utsinger to the city's Conference Center Advisory Committee.
