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FARGO — The Island Park pool is getting ready to close for the season — and the next year. Those looking to get one last dip in the downtown pool can jump in for free through Sunday, Aug. 21.
After Sunday, the pool will remain closed for construction through the summer of 2023 and will once again welcome swimmers in the summer of 2024.
Aging pool infrastructure necessitates an update to the facility so that it can remain a hotspot for recreation, leisure and athletics, according to the Fargo Park District. A popular summer destination for many Fargo residents, the Island Park pool boasts three pools, a wading pool and a diving well with four diving boards.
Island Park, which sits just south of downtown Fargo, has had a pool for more than 80 years. The pool has been in its current location, in the northwest corner of the park at 616 1st Ave. S., for 45 years.
Members of the Fargo Park Board unanimously approved the preliminary design for the renovated pool at their August meeting. This follows an extensive planning phase that began in 2020, during which the public was able to submit suggestions for the future of the pool.
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The project has moved into its formal design phase, during which final changes will be implemented. Construction is planned to wrap up prior to the summer of 2024.
When visitors are welcomed back to the Island Park pool, the newly designed facility is anticipated to have a 50-meter, competition-sized pool with diving well, lazy river, zero-entry leisure pool, FlyTyme slide and tube slide, according to the Fargo Park Board.
Attendees will also have access to a four-season pool house with public restrooms and concessions, extending the usability of the space throughout the winter months.
The iconic facade will remain in place.
Residents wishing to visit the pool before it closes may do so free of charge through Sunday. The pool is open for general admission between the hours of 1-4:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Lap swim is available from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.
Fargo's four other outdoor pools will be open next summer. Three have already wrapped up their 2022 seasons, and Davies Recreational Pool will close after Sunday. The Davies pool, 7150 25th St. S., will reopen from 1-5 p.m. on the weekends of Aug. 27 to 28 and Sept. 3 to 5.
