Savannah Aquatic Center: last day of the season, August 23
SAVANNAH, Mo. (KQTV) -- After receiving an unfortunate update before closing their 2025 season, the Savannah Aquatic Center's last day of the season for 2026 comes with joy for the center's future.
Before the end of the 2025 season, the City of Savannah announced that the aquatic center, which has been part of the city for decades, would close for good, citing structural issues and a lack of funding. However, after a group of community members rallied, the pool was officially saved.
The Savannah Aquatic Center hosted a full 2026 season.
Savannah Aquatic Center's Diane Gould, also a figurehead in the Andrew County Aquatics Initiative that helped save the pool, said the process shows there is still good in our area.
"I’ve learned that if a group of people can build trust amongst each other, they can do some really special things, and those things can be done in unconventional ways if they need to be," Gould told KQ2. "This whole project was built on being fully transparent and sharing everything - both successes and failures - with everyone. It was such a good cause and was done with such a giving spirit that participating became infectious."
Gould told KQ2 that work on the facility is still underway to make improvements and ensure the center's longevity. One project they hope to complete soon is replacing the bathhouse roof and installing new bleachers for the swim teams.
She also shared that they are working closely with local specialists to develop thorough fall and spring checklists to keep the pool in the best possible shape at all times.
Gould shared that this is her fifth year running the Savannah Aquatic Center, and it's been the most spotlighted season for numerous reasons. However, she appreciated the pool staff, pool patrons, and community members who, she said, have shown the best attitude throughout the process.
"We have really appreciated all of the kind words and the displays of appreciation for this amenity being transformed into such a diamond in our community. Each day I’m there, I sit back and wonder what all of these people would be doing if they weren’t here," Gould said. "All of the smiles - all the laughter - all of the lessons and skills learned. What would everyone be doing instead? I’m just so thankful that this generation of kids has the same opportunity that was afforded to the generations who came before them."
Officials now project the facility located at 1215 West Chestnut in Savannah will last until 2050 or beyond. The next season for Savannah Aquatic Center is expected to begin on Memorial Day Weekend 2027.
The Savannah Aquatic Center will hold its last day of the 2026 season on Sunday, August 23, with a projected closing time of 8:00 pm. For the latest updates on the pool, click here.
