Rotary donates $40,000 toward Torrington pool renovation; city says $350,000 in repairs underway

The Torrington City Council on Feb. 4 acknowledged a $40,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Torrington toward repairs at the Dale Jones Municipal Pool and heard that the city has budgeted roughly $350,000 to complete the work.

Rotary Club president Michelle Akbar told the council, “Rotary is proud to contribute $40,000 towards the renovation of the children's area at the city's pool with an additional $10,000 going towards equipment and other features.” She said the contribution came from “the generosity of local individuals and Rotarians.”

Mayor Dovi said city staff found “some major repairs that must be done before we can open in late spring. Cost of the project is basically $350,000 with the contingency built in,” and that “the money was budgeted and the work has begun.” The mayor thanked private donors and foundations, naming the Rotary Club of Torrington and the Community Healthcare Foundation as contributors.

Clerk/Treasurer Sheffield told the council that some of the budget adjustments tied to the pool included donations identified earlier in the meeting and insurance proceeds related to an unrelated police vehicle claim. The city’s presentation materials and remarks by staff indicated work is on course for a late-spring opening.

Council members and staff described the pool as a long-serving municipal asset — “the local pool has served the citizens of Torrington and many others for over 50 years” — and framed the repair as a community priority.

No formal council action was required or taken on the donation itself during the recognition; staff said the capital repair work is proceeding under existing budget authority and that further budget items tied to the project have been provided to the council for review.