While striving to provide for the recreational and leisure-time needs of its residents, the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department has completed a pair of capital improvement projects, will finish another next summer and will likely launch a third later next year.   

At Ford Field Park, work has wrapped up on a $540,000 project to replace the antiquated comfort station –built in the 1930s -- with a modern and more energy-efficient facility, including adding a covered porch. It will remain open year round.

At Dunworth Pool, installation of a dual water slide, which features a 14-foot launch tower and two slide was completed early this summer.  Slide riders splash down into the renovated diving well, which was partially filled to create a depth of approximately four feet.

Installation of the dual water slide marks the completion of the third phase of the $1.3 million Dunworth Pool Renovation, which also included improvements to the baby pool in 2015 and the 50-meter pool the following year.

At Dunworth Pool, the bath house—which, like the original pool, was built during WWII—is expected to be demolished and replaced by a modern facility in the coming years.

Ford Woods pool making progress

At Ford Woods Park, work has progressed steadily on a $4.5 million project to replace the original swimming pool—first opened in 1954—with a more expansive and modern facility. 

The approximately 25,000-square foot complex—scheduled to open next summer—will include a zero-depth entry pool; a dual slide facility similar to Dunworth Pool; a deck area with lawns chairs and, umbrella tables; and an extensive indoor area featuring shared lockers, separate shower rooms and rest rooms for men and women; family locker rooms; vending machines and an outdoor concessions area.