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Tempe Dives In To Aquatic Projects

McClintock Pool in summer 2017
(Photo courtesy city of Tempe)
McClintock Pool re-opened to the public on July 15 after being closed for six years.

For the first time in six years, Tempe’s McClintock Pool is open again to the public.

The pool, last remodeled in 1996, was closed to the public in the years after the 2008 recession. Tempe recently completed $3 million in updates including new pumps, filters, increasing the pool’s length and installing a lift to provide easier access to the water. There will be a free Grand Reopening Celebration on July 29.

It’s the first of a wave of projects planned for Tempe aquatic centers. The city is finishing up an aquatics-needs assessment that will help determine priorities over the next several years.

“It’s taking census data, it’s taking demographic data, it’s even taking transportation data to see where we should place facilities,” said Shawn Wagner, a recreation program manager.


So far, staff have outlined about $3.3 million in projects including:

  • A 4,800-square-foot splash playground in the north part of Kiwanis Park.
  • A second water slide at McClintock Pool.
  • Slide tower and deck renovation at Escalante Pool.

“We’re excited that there are funds available, but we also want to make sure we’re going about this strategically, so that they’re enjoyed by today, but also generations to come,” Wagner said.

Mariana Dale was an assistant digital editor and senior field corrsepondent at KJZZ from 2016 to 2019.