Nearly a half a century after they were installed, a major section of the concession stand at the Bridgeport City Pool is being replaced, according to Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton. The work in question began earlier this past week and is expected to conclude early this coming week.

 

Burton confirmed that a large part of the project in question involves the removing of the counters from the building. And they’re not just any ordinary counters.

 

“Those are the original counters from the building that was dedicated in 1956 so they’re more than a half a century old,” said Burton. “The bathhouse and the concession building are both buildings from the original pool.”

 

The reason to remove the counters after all these years was for more than aesthetic purposes. Burton said the counters were dry rotted.

 

“Basically, they were falling apart,” said Burton.

 

The counters aren’t the only part of this project. Burton said the roll up windows on the concession stand will be replaced.

 

“They weren’t functional on a mechanical basis,” said Burton. “The windows were becoming problematic because staff was always dealing with issues where the windows were getting stuck and jammed.”

 

The old counters are being torn out and new ones are being installed. That part of the project will be done by city staff. The roll up windows on the concession stand was bid out and Capital Doors will be installing them.

 

“When you figure up everything, including our labor, you’re looking at up to a $6,500 project,” said Burton.

 

Money for the project was included as part of the current fiscal year budget. It will be done well ahead of the opening of the pool season, which is set for Saturday, May 24 at noon. Admission is free that day.