Millerton’s long-awaited pool marches closer to construction

MILLERTON — Community leaders and residents gathered Saturday, July 11, for a ceremonial groundbreaking celebrating the long-awaited pool and poolhouse planned for Eddie Collins Memorial Park, marking a major milestone in a project years in the making.

The ceremony, which followed the kickoff parade for Millerton’s week-long 175th anniversary celebration, drew local, county and state officials and residents to commemorate a project more than five years in the making to replace the park’s long-defunct pool.

Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek served as host for the ceremony. She led remarks by recounting the years-long saga that led up to Saturday’s groundbreaking.

Following Najdek were addresses from North East Town Supervisor Chris Kennan, Dutchess County Legislator Chris Drago, New York State Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey and Robert Rodriguez, president of Dormitory Authority of the State of New York — a state agency which assists municipalities across New York with project funding and construction.

Stephen Waite, left, and Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek pick up the first shovelful of dirt dug up as part of plans to build a new pool at Millerton’s community park.Photo by Nathan Miller

The groundbreaking on Saturday was preceded by a private party at the park on Thursday, July 9, for donors and volunteers who have assisted in bringing a multi-stage renovation of the park’s facilities to fruition.

That gathering heard an address from lifelong Millerton resident Stephen Waite, whose advocacy has spearheaded the work to revitalize Eddie Collins Memorial Park for nearly 10 years.

He recounted his history with the park, starting as a kid when the original pool provided an opportunity to learn to swim and socialize with friends.

“I’ve known this park in so many different ways,” Waite said. “As a child, and now as an adult watching my nieces and nephews enjoy it.”

Ann Sartori, left, and Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek make a splash despite a lack of water.Photo by Nathan Miller

Waite also urged guests at Thursday’s reception to support the pool and the park’s ongoing revitalization by contributing to an endowment fund. He said the fund would provide long-term financial support for Eddie Collins Memorial Park, helping cover maintenance of the new pool and the sports facilities installed during the project’s first phase.

The park’s revitalization committee has raised $1.7 million toward the endowment fund. Waite said organizers have set an overall fundraising goal of $3 million. The fund will be managed by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, a nonprofit that helps organizations and municipalities establish endowments to provide long-term financial support.

Construction is scheduled to begin in August, with the pool expected to open in August 2027.

The pool and poolhouse will feature a 75-foot short course olympic pool, with a ramped shallow section allowing people of all ages and abilities to take advantage of the water. Included in the plans is a poolhouse, set to feature a kitchen that will be available for events, a community gathering space indoors, and a patio surrounding the inground pool.

Efforts to revitalize the park kicked off nearly 10 years ago when Waite and a band of local volunteers started conceptualizing new sports facilities, a larger playground and a replacement for the defunct pool. Construction on phase one of the park project — which included improving the soccer field, revamping the baseball field, new basketball courts and the expanded playground — wrapped up in 2022. Phase two comprises the new pool and poolhouse. There are currently no future phases planned.

Red, white and blue paint mark the area of the planned pool and poolhouse at Eddie Collins Memorial Park.Photo by Nathan Miller