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  • Rolfe Park Pool - Concord NH
    In 1940, the WPA helped construct a new wading pool at Rolfe Park. A municipal report from that year reported that: "This pool, which has a depth ranging from three and one-half to four feet, meets a long felt need in the Ward One section of the city."
  • Rollins Park Improvements - Concord NH
    Municipal reports for the town of Concord document New Deal improvements to the park throughout the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1935, the CWA funded a stone wall along Broadway, enlarged the park's wading pool and removed dead trees and stumps. In 1936, the PWA completed a new bathing pool in Rollins Park. A further 75 foot addition was added to the old pool in 1941. In 1939, acres of land were graded at the park. In 1940, 400 feet of ashlar wall was constructed and a new baseball diamond was developed. Rollins Park bleachers were relocated.
  • Roosevelt Park - Devils Lake ND
    Devils Lake, North Dakota's Roosevelt Park was developed as a federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the 1930s. Swimming, picnicking, and camping are noted as available activities in a WPA guide.
  • Roosevelt Pool - Susanville CA
    The Roosevelt pool in Susanville was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1939.   It began as a community pool – a project long sought by the people of Susanville – and then was attached to Roosevelt School next door.  After a half-century of excellent service, the pool had to be closed in 2004 due to structural failure brought on by neglect (it began to leak).  It was demolished in 2015. Fortunately, a visitor to site in the late 1990s and took photographs of the pool.  The Susanville Historical Society also has photographs of the pool in its prime (unfortunately,...
  • Roosevelt Pool and Bathhouse - Glenview IL
    Construction on the pool started in 1938 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt`s Depression-era Works Progress Administration. The park district furnished the materials, and workers were bused in by the government. The pool, completed in 1940, is the last WPA pool still in use and in its original condition in all of Illinois. WPA construction included a stone bathhouse with fireplace and open-beamed ceiling. Renovations in 2005 to bring the pool into compliance with current building codes retained the historic character of both the pool and bathhouse.
  • Rufus Putnam Park Pond - Rutland MA
    "During 1935 the pond in the Rufus Putnam Memorial Park in Rutland was developed as a swimming pool under the provisions of said Chapter 346 of 1934 in co-operation with the town under the Federal Emergency Relief Administration, which provided about $1,500 for labor in addition to the $3,860 expended by the Water Division for labor and materials. The pool has an area of about 1.6 acres, a maximum depth of 6.5 feet and a shallow sand beach, 140 feet long and 30 feet wide to a depth of 3 feet."
  • Saratoga Spa Complex - Saratoga Springs NY
    Saratoga Springs has been famous for its mineral waters, for bathing and drinking, for four centuries, and was known to native people long before that.  The town has a rich history of tourism, horse-racing and gambling, and its many springs have been developed commercially and heavily exploited by bottling companies.  In order to protect the springs from over-pumping, the area was declared a New York State Reservation in 1909. Dr. Simon Baruch, a leading exponent of hydrotherapy, guided the Spa's development in its early years.  In 1928, New York Governor Franklin Roosevelt established a commission to rehabilitate the springs, chaired by Bernard Baruch,...
  • Schiller Park Pools and Locker House (Demolished) - Buffalo NY
    WPA photos (pictured) show the Schiller Park pools and locker house built by the WPA in Buffalo, New York. Google images do not show an existing pool. Google Earth shows remains of the Pool House (42 54’ 43”N 78 48’ 07”W) but the 12 foot and 4 foot pools are filled in.
  • Schreeder Pond and Pool - Killingworth CT
    The C.C.C. created Scheeder Pond in 1934. It also developed a swimming area within the pond.
  • Scott Park - Omro WI
    This large island park in Omro, Wisconsin was established in the early 20th century and improved by the federal Civil Works Administration (CWA) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the 1930s: "In 1933, an adult swimming pool and a children's wading pool were built using a mix of local money and federal C.W.A. funds, which was followed by the construction of a bathhouse and dock in 1939 using village and W.P.A. funds."  (www.omro-wi.com)
  • Shaw Park - Clayton MO
    Shaw Park was developed by the WPA in 1935-1936 and formally dedicated in 1937. The park is 30 acres total and is on land donated by the Shaw family. The total cost for the project was $280,000 - a $250,000 federal contribution and $30,000 bond from the city of Clayton. The park is just west of the St. Louis County courthouse and is adjacent to the Clayton High School (constructed later). The largest part of the project is the olympic swimming pool that was the only pool in the midwest meeting requirements for Olympic competition. It has since been modified...
  • Sheridan Park - Cudahy WI
    "During the Great Depression, laborers from the Works Progress Administration constructed a swimming pool and bathhouse in Sheridan Park, and the park hosted a WPA Toy Loan Center and WPA outdoor theatrical performances. Several years later, workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed jetties in Lake Michigan off Sheridan Park as well as a service road down the face of the bluff."
  • Silver Falls State Park: Silver Creek Youth Camp (former Silver Creek Recreation Development Area) - Silverton OR
    The early development of Silver Falls State Park can be credited to several of the New Deal programs. A significant portion of the land for the park was purchased by the federal Resettlement Administration (RA) c. 1935, and developed for recreational use through the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) between 1935 and 1942. During that period, a distinction was made between Silver Falls Park, which was accessible to the public, and the area designated as the Silver Creek Recreation Development Area (RDA), which was a special federal program designed to allow urban youth...
  • Steinmetz Park Pond - Schenectady NY
    This park was originally known as Second Ward Park. In 1935, "WPA workers constructed a wall of fieldstone around the pond," turning it into what was for years a popular swimming pool. The pond still exists but is no longer used for swimming (www.dailygazette.com).
  • Sunset Park Pool - Brooklyn NY
    The massive 259-foot-by-162-foot (3.5-foot-deep) outdoor pool in Sunset Park was one of 11 constructed with the help of the federal Work Projects Administration in New York City. "In the summer months, Sunset Park and its pool become home to swimmers and sun worshipers.  Designed in a neoclassical/Art Deco style, the pool first opened its waters to the public in 1936. It has since then offered to the Sunset Park community and visitors from all across New York City a range of recreational activities. Programs include Learn-to-Swim classes for all ages, free After School swimming instruction, and Adult Lap times.  The Brooklyn...
  • Sunset Pier Bathhouse Improvements (demolished) - Venice CA
    The Sunset Pier was built on Venice Beach in 1921 as a typical entertainment pier with dancing hall that was very common on the beach at the time. After various bankruptcies and owners, "he city took possession of the Sunset Pier during spring 1929 after the lease was canceled with the Electric Pier Company for non-payment of rent... However, in June the Parks and Recreation Commission decided to build a 64 x 160 foot municipal bathing pavilion on the pier. The pool, costing $20,000, could accommodate 3000 people and would have large sun rooms. Construction began by the end of...
  • Swanson Pool - St. Charles IL
    The website of Williams Architects lists as one of their projects, reconstruction work on a New Deal Project. "Formerly known as the Pottawatomie Pool, the Park District dediciated the new renovation to the Swanson Family in honor of the late Algert S. Swanson who served on the St. Charles Township Park Board when the pool was constructed and his daughter, Carol Swanson Glemza, a long-time Park District employee.The renovation of an existing Works Progress Association (WPA) era pool includes replacement of the existing shallow pool with a new zero depth entry activity pool, restoration of the main pool to provide an...
  • Swenson Park Swimming Pool and Bathhouse - Spur TX
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built a swimming pool and bathhouse in Swenson Park in Spur TX. The pool was built between 1935 and 1937 and closed in 2009. A WPA marker in front of the bathhouse reads: "Works Progress Administration  1935-1937."
  • Swimming Facilities - Parkersburg WV
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built a swimming pool and a bathhouse at the north side of Parkersburg City Park. The project was completed in June 1936. The Wood County Historical Society published 1937 excerpts from The Parkersburg News periodical, attesting to the work carried out by the WPA in Parkersburg: "The Parkersburg News Feb. 2, 1937 Advance bath house project: Two crews of 30 men working on municipal swimming pool; to be completed Decoration Day The bath house at the municipal swimming pool in City Park is rapidly approaching completion. Installation of showers and other plumbing fixtures, together with construction of dressing booths remain to be...
  • Swimming Pool - Bradford PA
    A municipal swimming pool in Bradford, PA was built in 1939 as a New Deal project: the Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $66,922 grant for the pool construction project in Bradford, whose total cost was $146,095. PWA Docket No. PA 2110
  • Swimming Pool - Carbon Hill AL
    The Works Progress Administration built a public pool in Carbon Hill circa 1937. The exact location and condition of the structure is unknown to the Living New Deal. According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, “The Great Depression hit Carbon Hill particularly hard as the coal mines on which it depended for three-quarters of its employment and income shut down completely. With the monetary aid of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Public Works Administration (PWA), which was supplemented by local sponsors, many Carbon Hill residents found work on projects that improved the town's infrastructure. In addition to street improvements, townspeople helped put in a new...
  • Swimming Pool - Gering NE
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a swimming pool in Gering, Nebraska. The location and status of the structure are presently unknown to Living New Deal.
  • Swimming Pool - Grove City PA
    The federal Civil Works Administration constructed a municipal swimming pool at Memorial Park in Grove City, Pennsylvania between 1933 and 1934. The status of the facility is unknown to Living New Deal.
  • Swimming Pool - Marshall MO
    This handsome swimming pool facility was built by the WPA from 1936-37.
  • Swimming Pool - Moorhead MS
    The swimming pool was Mississippi project 6871 approved on June 20, 1934. A $4,000 loan and a $1, 783 grant was provided by the Public Works Administration toward the estimated total cost of $6,500. The bids were advertised on August 19, the contract was awarded on September 27, and construction started on October 1. The pool was completed on December 13, 1934 for a total cost of $6,995. According to the Enterprise-Tocsin ("Park renovation starts Saturday"), the swimming pool was located at the park on Brookside Avenue.
  • Swimming Pool - Neligh NE
    In December 1936, Mayor R. G. Kryger received word that the city’s proposal for a swimming pool had been approved by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The proposed pool would measure 146 by 60 feet, and would be constructed of concrete. The project would also include a bath house measuring 32 by 68 feet and a filtration system. The WPA had committed $6,225.00 on labor and $1,809.50 on supplies and materials. The city of Neligh would be required to furnish materials and supplies in the amount of $6,275.91. The total cost was anticipated to be $14,510.41. Neligh would have to...
  • Swimming Pool - Pearsall TX
    The Work Projects Administration (WPA) constructed a pool in Pearsall, Texas. The entrance to the pool area is marked. Rock wall, rock decorations at edge of pool, and rock wall on one side of pool filtering equipment. The pool is located behind the Pearsall Junior High.
  • Swimming Pool - Rotan TX
    The 285,000 gallon concrete pool was started August 25, 1936 and completed a year later. It was officially dedicated in 1938. Total cost of construction for the pool, walkways, rock house for living quarters for the caretakers, showers, concession room, filtration plan, and smaller rock clubhouse for the golf course was $36,000, of which the city funded $5,000.
  • Swimming Pool - Tempe AZ
    The Works Progress Administration built a Public Swimming Pool in Tempe at the "municipal park"—possibly what is now the Papago Park complex. Project # 126, circa 1936. The exact location and condition of this facility is unknown to the Living New Deal.
  • Swimming Pool - Villisca IA
    "The Villisca Swimming Pool was built in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration, (WPA), which was a government program that found work for those unemployed by the Great Depression. This was at a cost of approximately $40,000."   (https://www.villisca.com) The WPA also built an athletic field as part of the same project, which is probably the field still next to the pool today.
  • Swimming Pool (demolished) - McCamey TX
    Per the Odessa American, 1939, the Public Works Administration (PWA) supported the financing of the construction of the former public swimming pool in McCamey, Texas: The new swimming pool at McCamey opened June 2, 1939. The new $50,000 swimming pool was built by Upton County as a PWA project. The new pool, recently completed, is one of the finest of its kind in this section of the state. It Is modern in every detail, and is now open to the public free of charge. It is equipped with the latest filtration system that will assure swimmers of pure water at all...
  • Swimming Pool (former) - Ashland MA
    The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (F.E.R.A.) and Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) constructed a swimming pool for Ashland, starting in 1935. The pool was built along what was then municipal land along Granite Street, which no longer exists. A late-1800s map of the town suggests that the pool might have been located either along what is now Raymond Marcheti St. or at the approximate location of what is now David Mindess School. WPA Bulletin, 1937: Water, water everywhere but not a place to swim ... a paradoxical predicament provoking to Ashland residents will be solved next season when the Ashland WPA Swimming Pool...
  • Swimming Pool (former) - Jackson MO
    This former swimming pool was built in 1938 for the cost of $2,000 and at this time is filled in with rock and is a playground. The original pool buildings, however, still appear to be standing with the classic art deco font saying "Swim Pool." The pool was in operation at least until 1965 when severe problems with leakage was reported, but may well have been used until 1976 when a new pool was built.
  • Swimming Pool (former) - Mount Lebanon PA
    "The Mt. Lebanon swimming pool was built in the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration project. In the 1970s, it underwent renovation." The exact location of the pool is unknown to Living New Deal.
  • Swimming Pool (replaced) - Tipton IN
    The original municipal swimming pool at the city park in Tipton, Indiana was constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The facility has since been replaced.
  • Swimming Pool and Bathhouse - Macon MO
    The city swimming pool in Macon was designed by Irwin Dunbar from Kirksville, MO.  It is still in use with the original wooden bathhouse.  Note the inverted u-shaped concrete elevations in the center of the pool for diving.  At one time, it was considered the largest pool in the state.
  • Swimming Pool and Bathhouse - Wallace ID
    The pool and bathhouse were built in 1939 under the auspices of the federal Public Works Administration. Full restoration was carried out by the community from 1999 to 2007 at a cost of $265,000.
  • Swimming Pool and School Improvements - Edwards MS
    A new swimming pool and municipal park were built in 1934 using Civil Works Administration funds. The school playground was furnished, athletic field improved with grading and concrete seats, teacher's home renovated, and repairs made to the high school. Dedication ceremonies were held May 4, 1934.
  • Swope Park Swimming Pool - Kansas City MO
    The swimming pool in Kansas City's Swope Park was built in 1941-1942 as a Work Projects Administration (WPA) project, "sponsored by the City of Kansas City. James D. Marshall and M. Dwight Brown, architects and engineers, developed the plans for the pools and the building. Hare and Hare, landscape architects, designed the landscaping. The pool opened on July 30, 1942. Closed in 2003 for renovations, the pool reopened in 2004."
  • Sycamore Pool - Chico CA
    Sycamore Pool is a large, beautiful, outdoor swimming facility built on Big Chico Creek at the One-Mile Recreation Area of Bidwell Park in Chico California.  Hence, the pool is also known as One-Mile Pool. he creek was dammed by the city in the 1920s, but the pool was cemented and finished out by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s, as part of several WPA improvements to Bidwell Park.   There are tile depth markers every six feet or so along the pool's edge. The lifeguard chairs look original, but that is uncertain. A bridge across the dam was built later using state Land & Water...
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