Jim Dailey Fitness and Aquatics Center pool reopens after 18 months of renovations

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — The indoor swimming pool at the Jim Dailey Fitness and Aquatics Center in Little Rock is back open, 18 months after it was closed for renovations, and more changes could be on the horizon if Little Rock’s one percent sales tax increase is passed in November.

The pool was first closed following a fire in its HVAC system, but then the project turned into a full renovation of the pool area. Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. is pleased to see the finished project after what he says was “a long time coming.”

“We heard you loud and clear. Get it fixed and get it fixed now,” Scott says.

Officials describe the pool as a gem in the city, saying it represents health, happiness, community and the freedom to exercise for individuals with limited mobility.

“We wanted to make certain that it was done right because our residents deserve it to be done right, with the utmost quality, and how we’re truly focusing on quality of life and place,” Scott says.

City officials credit the 2022 renewal of a bond issue by voters for funding the project. Leland Couch, Director of Little Rock Parks and Recreation, says it’s now more than just a reopened pool.

“We did a lot more than just reopen a pool. There’s new pool surfacing here. There’s new air ducts here, lighting, banners, all this was a great team effort,” Couch says.

Chair of the Jim Dailey Center Advisory Board, Layne Brett, says the pool was originally built in 1942, and at the time, it was the largest municipal pool in the country. Brett says their board has taken renovation suggestions through a suggestion box.

“We call it the people’s pool because it really is, and like the Mayor said, the diversity and the inclusiveness here is like nothing I’ve ever experienced anywhere here in my life,” Brett says.

Officials say if Little Rock’s one percent sales tax increase passes in November, an additional 3 million dollars will be allocated to the Jim Dailey Center to make even more upgrades, like an updated locker room and a new roof. Additionally, Mayor Scott announced that if the sales tax increase passes, 20 million dollars would be allocated to another recreational site, War Memorial Park, to make it a central park.