Press Release:

As part of its ongoing facilities planning, Cheltenham Township is announcing its plans for a brand new, state-of-the-art public pool at the Melrose Country Club redevelopment, which will ultimately replace Conklin Pool.

While Conklin Pool has long been a place for cherished summer memories, the facility itself has reached the end of its useful life, with ongoing maintenance challenges that continue to worsen—as seen in its delayed opening in recent years. The Conklin facility has ongoing leaks, aging mechanical systems, and other equipment failure that ultimately needs a complete replacement. 

The costs to fully repair and modernize Conklin are estimated to be over $8M and are not fiscally responsible given the Township’s budget constraints.  Faced with this critical issue, the Township secured a partnership with the Melrose developer, through which the Township was deeded the land to build a state-of-the-art pool complex for $4.5M, a fiscally feasible solution.

This new community pool represents a once-in-a-generation investment in the Township’s recreational infrastructure.  While designs are still being finalized, the pool facilities will match or exceed the capacity offered at Conklin, and will include a full recreational pool, a dedicated lap pool for swim programs, and a kiddie pool for young children.

The new facility will be built to today’s standards, with brand new locker rooms, restrooms, and amenities.  The Township will also benefit from energy-efficient and sustainable design, lower maintenance costs for the modern systems, and the opportunity to expand programming and serve even more residents.  The facility will allow for both ample parking and trail connections that will create significantly better walkability than is feasible for Conklin.

Details will follow in the coming months about the timeline, as plans for the pool will be submitted as part of the final phase—Phase 3—of the mixed-use development at 7600 Tookany Creek Parkway.  The Township is looking at a 2027 opening for the new pool; however, Conklin pool will remain available until the new pool facility is open.  To the extent this is the final summer at Conklin, the Township looks forward to honoring its beautiful history with a summer of swimming and smiles.

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