Page 14 - LRCC August FOCUS 2023

#LOVELANSING FOCUS MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2023

State Funds Save Moore’s

Park Pool

n iconic city of Lansing landmark that enriched the
lives of thousands of children and families for nearly
A100 years will be restored thanks to funds that were
included in the latest state budget. The budget included
$6.2 million for the restoration of the Moores Park Pool on
the city’s south side. The historic pool was designed by
Lansing city engineer, Wesley Bintz, who went on to build
over 150 of his signature above-ground public pools across
the country. Moores Park Pool is the oldest surviving of
the dozen or so remaining Bintz pools. The pool opened in
1922 and was closed in 2019. Supporters of the Moores Park
Pool say the funding should enable the pool to return to its
former glory.

“Besides the nostalgia for the decades
of people who swam in this pool
when they were children, even more
important are the children today
who haven’t ever learned to swim
because there aren’t many public
pools anymore. Now they will have
that opportunity,” said Dale Schrader,
representative for The Friends of
Moores Park Pool. Schrader

In 2020, The Friends of Moores Park Pool and Preservation
Lansing conducted a fundraising drive to help the
city of Lansing fund an assessment report. 350 people
contributed $40,000 to the effort. The report has been
used as a guide for the restoration process.

Schrader believes the historic pool is not only important for
the neighborhood, but if it is properly promoted, it could
be a destination for people beyond the city of Lansing,
drawing people from around the state and nation. He
says the unique design of the pool is part of the lure. It is
built onto a hillside with a picture postcard view of the
Grand River, Moores Park, and beyond to the three iconic
smokestacks of the Eckert Power plant. The pool itself is
shaped like an upside-down derby hat. Inside the walls,
underneath the derby brim, are the pool locker rooms and
other amenities.

Schrader is grateful for the entire Capitol Caucus in
the state legislature for their support particularly State
Senator Sarah Anthony, chair of the Senate Appropriations
committee.

“Without her, I am not sure this would have happened,”
said Schrader. “Sen. Anthony grew up in that Moore’s Park
neighborhood and she swam in that pool. Her efforts have
been instrumental in this process.” l

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