Progress on Demolition of Mattocks Park Swimming Pool and Pool House
Efforts to demolish the aging Mattocks Park swimming pool and pool house are slowly progressing, as members of the El Dorado Parks and Playgrounds Commission (EPPC) learned during their recent meeting. The decision to level the nearly 70-year-old pool was made last October, following years of deterioration and a lack of major repairs or upgrades.
The closure of the Mattocks pool for two consecutive summers, in 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the poor condition of the facility, highlighted the urgent need for action. An inspection by the Arkansas Department of Health revealed several issues with the pool, prompting the EPPC to consider short-term fixes initially.
However, after facing challenges in finding a contractor to evaluate and repair the pool, the commission ultimately decided that the pool was beyond repair and voted to demolish it. Plans for a new pool or water feature as part of a larger park improvement project were discussed as part of a master plan to enhance city parks.
During the recent EPPC meeting, updates on various park improvement projects funded by the El Dorado Works tax were shared. These projects included paving the recreational trail at Lions Club Municipal Golf Course, installing BBQ grills in several parks, building new basketball courts, and adding public restrooms and water fountains.
Commissioners also discussed repurposing existing park facilities, such as converting the Lions Club basketball court into a pickleball court and using the field in McKinney Park as an archery range. These suggestions were met with enthusiasm, as they aimed to cater to the growing interests of the community in alternative sports and recreational activities.
As the demolition of the Mattocks Park pool gets underway, a sub-committee is exploring options for a new aquatic facility on the site. Requests for proposals will soon be solicited from contractors to design and manage the project, with three potential options being considered: a zero-entry pool with swim lanes, a larger pool with a kiddie pool, or a splash pad.
Public hearings will be held to gather feedback on the proposed designs and costs, with the goal of securing funding and grants for the project. The commission is taking a comprehensive approach to ensure that the new aquatic facility meets the needs and preferences of the community while enhancing the overall park experience.
