Boise City Leaders Provide Direction for Future of Lowell and South Pools

The City of Boise is moving forward with plans for two of its historic but aging pools. Members of the Boise City Council affirmed the following direction regarding the future of Lowell and South Pools. Next steps include:

Lowell Pool

• Renovate and bring the current pool up to modern safety and accessibility standards.

South Pool

• Relocate and build a new pool at Whitney Elementary School (located less than one mile from the existing facility) in partnership with the Boise School District.
• Seek community input on reuse of the existing historic structure.

To watch the July 16, 2024, Boise City Council work session where design alternatives and cost estimates for both Lowell and South Pools were discussed, click here. The presentation starts about an hour and 22 minutes into the recording.

“Opening these pools is a priority and we’ve heard loud and clear from residents that access to safe, affordable swimming options in their neighborhoods is important,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “This path forward highlights the historic significance of Lowell Pool and the Wesley Bintz design, while creating a new, regional pool facility for families on the Boise Bench and beyond. Both are important investments with Boise’s past, present and future in mind.”

Lowell and South Pools were constructed around the year 1953 and are the oldest facilities within Boise Parks and Recreation’s public pools system. In addition to various code compliance and safety issues, the existing Lowell Pool and South Pool facilities are not accessible for people who use mobility devices, including wheelchairs.

“We look forward to engaging with the community on next steps for the current South Pool facility,” added Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “We understand its significance to generations of residents and are committed to finding a path forward for this longstanding piece of Boise history.”

Next steps in the planning process include finalizing pool designs and cost estimates. Funding discussions are ongoing as part of the current fiscal year 2025 City of Boise budget build process. No timeline has been set for construction.

Opportunities for public input on the future of the existing South Pool facility, as well as on design elements of the new Whitney Elementary School pool location, will be announced at a later date.

Additional background information related to Lowell and South Pools is available on the city’s website.