Roy Jenkins Pool Welcomes Back Community After Extensive Hurricane Repairs

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DAVIS ISLANDS, Fla., (WFLA) – After 9 months of repairs, the historic Roy Jenkins Pool on Davis Islands is reopening to the community.

The city spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair the facility after last year’s hurricanes.

The reopening is especially joyful news to regulars like Laurie Benson, who has been coming to the pool for decades.

“I’ve been coming to this pool since I was 5,” Benson said.

Benson comes for fitness classes with her friends and calls this nearly 100-year-old gem in Tampa, irreplaceable.

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“When it was closed down after the flood, we visited several other city pools. I appreciate those options, but this pool is truly unique and exceptionally beautiful,” Benson mentioned.

Severe damage from last year’s storms forced the historic pool to close for nearly a year.

Repairs cost more than $600,000, and officials said there were many steps and some setbacks to getting the facility reopened.

“Regarding the vendors and specialty equipment, we discovered another aspect: some items we assumed were operational turned out not to be. For instance, after installing a new pump, it led to unexpected failures elsewhere. This chain reaction contributed to some of the delays,” explained Heather Erickson, Athletics and Special Facilities Manager.

This pool was built in 1929, and the hope is that with these new repairs, it can serve the community for another century.

“This facility is vital for residents who use the pool for fitness, aquatic safety via our ‘Learn to Swim’ lessons, and simply as a place to cool down on a hot summer day,” stated Tony Mulkey, Parks and Recreation Director.

For regulars like Benson, it is all of that, and more.

“At 70 years old, you want to get out, be physical, be social, have a life, and this facility gives me that. I’m just so, so thankful that it’s here,” Benson said.

With the pool reopening, it is open at different hours depending on the day.