History of The Pool
The Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool, affectionately known as “The Big Pool,” holds a cherished place in the hearts and history of Oak Ridgers and others who love the pool. More than just a recreational facility, it stands as a cultural touchstone – a shimmering reflection of the city’s unique origins and evolution from the secretive days of the Manhattan Project to the vibrant community of the present. This history delves into the pool’s storied past, tracing its construction, its role as a social hub, the challenges it has weathered, and the community’s unwavering devotion to preserving this iconic landmark.
Chapter 1: Origins and Construction
The story of the Oak Ridge Pool begins in 1944, amidst the frenetic activity of the Manhattan Project. As Oak Ridge rapidly transformed from a quiet countryside into a bustling secret city, the need for recreational facilities became apparent. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers oversaw the pool’s construction, selecting a site fed by a natural spring – a watering hole long used by wildlife, cattle, farmers, travelers, and even moonshiners.
Despite wartime constraints, the Corps completed the pool’s initial phase in 1944, though swimmers that first season enjoyed a more rustic experience, as the pool’s concrete shell wasn’t finished until 1945. In those early days, pool chemicals were added from rowboats, a practice that seems quaint by today’s standards. The completed pool was a marvel, with a capacity of 2.2 million gallons, depths ranging from zero to 13.5 feet, and dimensions that made it one of the largest spring-fed pools in the nation.
Chapter 2: The Pool as a Cultural Hub
The pool’s grand opening on July 4, 1945, marked the start of its long tenure as a central gathering place for Oak Ridgers and the very limited number of people allowed inside the gates. In those early years, it provided a welcome respite from the stresses and secrecy of wartime work and provided recreational opportunities to children and adults alike. Families picnicked on the grassy beach, children queued up for the diving boards, and the laughter and splashing created a soundtrack of summer that would endure for generations.
As the city grew and changed, so did the pool’s role. It hosted swimming competitions, synchronized swimming extravaganzas, and even the occasional movie night. The 100-meter lanes drew serious swimmers, while the wading area was a haven for tots. Each generation made their memories here, from first strokes to first kisses stolen in the shade of the bathhouse.
Chapter 3: One Of The Largest Spring-Fed Pools
The natural spring that feeds the Oak Ridge Pool is more than just a water source – it’s a defining feature. The cold, clear water, constantly refreshed by the spring’s flow, creates a unique swimming experience. Even on the hottest summer days, swimmers can find pockets of bracing coolness.
While some other cities boast larger pools, few can claim the distinction of being spring-fed on this scale. The Big Pool’s 2.2-million-gallon capacity is second only to the pool at Balmorhea State Park in Texas, but Oak Ridge stands alone in having a fully finished bottom of such expansive size. It’s a point of pride for the city, drawing admirers from near and far.
Chapter 4: Changes and Challenges
As the decades passed, the pool underwent several renovations to keep pace with changing times and regulations. The most extensive overhaul came in 1992-1993 when the pool was relined, the deck replaced, the high dive was removed, depths around the raft were reduced, and modern filtration was installed. These upgrades ensured the pool’s continued operation but also marked a shift from its spring-fed origins.
Not all proposed changes have been welcomed. In 2003, a plan to dramatically reduce the pool’s size met with fierce community opposition, as did later suggestions to add splash pads and waterslides. For many, altering the pool’s footprint or character threatens the very essence of what makes it special. These debates reflect the deep emotional connection many people have with this place.
The pool has also faced its share of operational challenges. Leaks, equipment failures, and the ever-increasing cost of maintenance are constant concerns. In recent years, the pool has lost around 110,000 gallons of water per day due to causes not determined. Yet, through all these difficulties, the city and its residents have remained committed to keeping this cherished resource afloat.
Chapter 5: The Pool and the Community
To understand the pool’s significance, one must listen to the stories of those who have loved it. For many, childhood memories are steeped in chlorine and sunshine. They remember the hush that fell over the crowd when the lifeguard chair yelled “No running!”, the thrill of jumping off the high-dive, and the sweet relief of ice cream after a long day of play.
Generations of families have shared this connection, with grandparents who once worked on the Manhattan Project teaching their grandchildren to swim in these same waters. Many residents who left Oak Ridge have returned, drawn back by the pool’s familiar embrace and the sense of continuity it provides. The Oak Ridge Pool remains a beloved fixture, its history intertwined with the lives and memories of the community it serves.
Beyond individual stories, the pool has played a role in the community’s collective experience. It has provided a gathering place, an equalizing space in a city stratified by the secrecy of its early years. As Oak Ridge has grown and diversified, the pool has remained a constant, a shared point of reference in a changing world.
Chapter 6: Preservation Efforts
Given the pool’s importance, it’s no surprise that Oak Ridgers and others who care about the pool have consistently rallied to protect it. When budget cuts threatened to shorten the pool’s season in the late 1970s, citizens campaigned to keep it open. When major repairs were needed in the early 1990s, the community supported a bond to fund the work.
In 2019, the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association installed a Tennessee Historical Commission historical marker on the pool grounds, recognizing it as a cultural treasure. This community-based dedication to preservation continues as the pool faces new challenges. Voices from across the area are central in ongoing discussions about the pool’s future, with a strong contingent advocating for maintaining its historic character.
Chapter 7: Technological and Safety Upgrades
While preservation is a priority, the pool has also adapted to changing safety standards and technologies. Over the years, the pool has seen the addition of modern filtration, improved lifeguard stands, and stricter water quality monitoring. The city works continuously to balance safety with the pool’s traditional charms.
One notable change has been in the role of the spring water. While originally the pool’s sole source, spring water is now supplemented with city-treated water. This shift allows for better control over water chemistry and clarity while still maintaining the unique qualities imparted by the spring.
Safety has always been paramount. From the early days of rowboat chlorination to today’s computerized monitoring, the goal has been to provide a secure environment for aquatic fun. Lifeguards undergo rigorous training and pool rules are consistently enforced. While the pool is deemed safe to use, it currently operates under a state-granted variance due to problems in treatment related to circulation.
Chapter 8: The Pool’s Role in Modern Oak Ridge
Today, the Oak Ridge Pool remains a vibrant part of the city’s recreational landscape. It is a magnet for families seeking affordable summer fun, a training ground for competitive swimmers, and a cooling oasis on simmering East Tennessee afternoons.
Its appeal extends beyond city limits. Visitors come from across the region to experience a swim in this historic spring-fed wonder. There’s even a Secret City Sprint Triathlon, held annually in June, which draws athletes to test their mettle in the 100-meter lanes. In this way, the pool continues to put Oak Ridge on the map, just as the city’s innovative science once did.
Yet the pool’s real charm lies in the everyday moments. It’s in the dad teaching his daughter to float, the teenagers daring each other to jump off the diving board, the seniors swimming laps to keep in shape, and the annual end-of-year Puppy Pool Party. The magic is found in the sense of community forged through shared experience, the feeling of belonging to something bigger than oneself.
Chapter 9: Challenges of the 21st Century
As the Oak Ridge Pool is approaching its 80th birthday, the wear and tear of time has become increasingly apparent. Recent repairs were frequent and costly.
In 2021, the city began an intensive study of the pool’s condition and future, however test required to determine cause(s) of substantial water loss, with a current average of 110,000 gallons disappearing daily have not been initiated. Limited testing was completed to assure the site could accommodate new construction. Consultants presented 3 demolish and replace options with cost estimates reached as high as $28.9 million with a 20% contingency for unknowns beneath the pool floor, which is a daunting sum for a city of Oak Ridge’s size.
Public meetings revealed a community divided. Some championed a grand vision of a modern aquatic center, with waterslides, lazy rivers, and a reduced footprint. Others staunchly defended maintaining the pool’s historic size and character. The debates were impassioned, reflecting the deep sense of ownership Oak Ridgers feel for their pool. The pool’s future looms large.
Chapter 10: Conclusion
The story of the Oak Ridge Pool is, in many ways, the story of Oak Ridge itself. Born of wartime necessity, it grew into a cherished landmark, a constant amidst a changing city and world. Its spring-fed waters have buoyed generations, and its concrete decks have been the stage for countless small dramas and large celebrations.
As Oak Ridge grapples with the pool’s future, it is clear that any decision must honor this rich legacy. Whether through careful renovation or thoughtful reimagining, the essence of what makes the pool special must be preserved. For it is more than just a place to swim – it is a symbol of community, a tie to the past, and a promise to the future.
In the end, the Oak Ridge Pool’s significance lies in the memories it holds and the connections it fosters. It is a place where generations have come to play, to relax, to belong. As long as those memories and connections endure, so too will the spirit of this remarkable place. The Big Pool will remain, as it always has been, the heart of summer in the Secret City.
