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The swimming pool at Cove Lake State Park was constructed in 1952; its demolition began Monday
In its day, the swimming pool at Cove Lake State Park was the gathering place.
A look of when it all began in 1952.
CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF) – In 2023, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has announced plans for a learning playscape, a new year-round outdoor recreation feature, at Cove Lake State Park. The learning playscape will be constructed on the site of the swimming pool which was closed following the 2021 season.
The demo work began early Monday at Cove Lake State Park Pool.
The nature-based playscape will combine the fun of a play area with the opportunity to learn and appreciate the outdoors and natural environment. Research shows children thrive on many levels when they are provided outdoor education. Cove Lake State Park’s playscape will help children connect with nature with a hands-on experience.
The swimming pool was closed after the 2021 season.
“We always look for the best ways to serve our parks visitors, and we are excited about this feature at Cove Lake State Park,” said Greer Tidwell, TDEC’s deputy commissioner for Conservation. “The playscape will be available throughout the year, and we look forward to having families enjoy this new asset.”
The demolition of the Cove Lake swimming pool continues on Tuesday.
Work is expected to begin this year on the site, including equipment, surfacing, and ADA-compliant design. The project has been approved by the State Building Commission and will replace the swimming pool at the site. The pool closure was announced in December 2021.
Tennessee State Parks officials held a public meeting at the park to discuss ideas for recreation proposals for the park, its mission, and community. Park management and staff also contributed their input.
Here’s how it all looked in August 2023.
Tennessee State Parks determined that investing funds into a desired and fiscally responsible outdoor recreation feature for use year-round is the best path to maximize the park’s benefit to the community and the investments made on behalf of taxpayers.
Cove Lake State Park’s 606 acres are in a beautiful mountain valley on the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau. Scenic nature trails lead through a diversity of wetlands and woodlands offering wildlife viewing. A paved walking/bike trail provides easy access to all park facilities. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 8/15/2023- 6AM-UPDATED – 05/21/2024-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)
SO WISH WE HAD A SWIMMING POOL SOMEWHERE…THERE ARE SO MANY MEMORIES AT THIS POOL…PLENTY OF PARKING TOO…
This broke my heart when I read it and saw the photos I wish I knew the number of days I spent from opening time until my last five minutes to swim each day. I learned to swim there and at a very young age was diving from the “high dive”. I remember picking up trash for the lifeguards so that I could get in free and would buy snacks with my money! Tons and tons of memories.