The City of Lakewood boasts two swimming pools for residents seeking a slice of hot-weather relief. The recently overhauled Foster Pool has a speed slide, water features and a 50-meter lap pool, while nearby Becks Pool offers open swimming along with a separate diving area.
Located at Madison Park in the Birdtown neighborhood, Becks Pool is also in dire need of a facelift, city officials say. To kick off the process, Lakewood is surveying pool patrons through the beginning of June – responses will shape infrastructure improvements considered by engineers in their initial blueprint, notes David Baas, assistant director of planning and development for Lakewood.
“We did a big renovation of Foster, and now it’s time for Becks,” says Baas. “The deck and concrete for the pool have been around since the 1950s. It’s hit its lifespan and has become harder to maintain.”
The city questionnaire asks residents about the current facility, part of an engagement process that includes two open houses. Survey results will be shared with Cleveland engineering firm Sixmo Architecture, which steered the $6 million Foster Pool renovation three years ago.
A modernized Becks Pool could offer some of the same features as its counterpart, including lap lanes, a water slide and new spray features. Amenities like a splash pad will increase the pool’s footprint, with the estimated $4-$6 million construction further encompassing a remodeled pool house and zero-depth entry points.
Pool improvements are key to the 2024 Madison Park master plan, a community-driven effort to refresh aging park infrastructure. Concepts derived from the new survey will be showcased at a June 25 open house, ahead of a second community meeting slated for sometime in late August or early September. A second planned survey will lock in specific design elements for Sixmo Architecture to use when construction begins in September 2027 – if all goes well, the refurbished pool will be ready for the 2028 swim season.
“The residents who helped work the Madison Park master plan expressed a desire to have elements that will make Becks pool unique – not just the same things that went into the Foster Pool renovation,” says Baas. “That is an important aspect to consider as we move through the community engagement process this summer and work with residents on what elements they’d most like to see as part of the renovation.”
The Becks Pool survey has generated more than 600 responses so far, and Baas is encouraging more people to weigh in.
“Becks is one of the key features of Madison Park, and a focus area of our master plan,” Baas says. “Madison is important to the surrounding neighborhoods, and just as important as Lakewood Park and every other park we have. Renovating Becks pool is a significant undertaking that requires the better part of two years to work with the community on a design and then prepare for and execute the construction, all while keeping the pool open and operational during the summer seasons.”
As Madison Park serves half of Lakewood’s population, a modern, inclusive swimming facility is essential for providing top-tier summer recreation, he adds.
“Becks is a key neighborhood node, so having a contemporary pool that meets people’s needs is vital,” says Baas. “A well-maintained community pool fills that social need while getting families out of the house.”
Keep our local journalism accessible to all
Reader support is crucial as we continue to shed light on underreported neighborhoods in Cleveland. Will you become a monthly member to help us continue to produce news by, for, and with the community?
P.S. Did you like this story? Take our reader survey!
