Lenox council aims to open pool this year while awaiting state waiver over bathhouse occupancy

City Administrator Allison Kitzman told the Lenox City Council on March 9 that state review of pool renovation plans found the proposed bathhouse does not meet occupancy-based fixture requirements: the new facility’s patron load is listed as 246 while the bathhouse fixtures are sized for 100 patrons. Kitzman said the city submitted a waiver proposing to self-limit the facility to 100 patrons; the waiver is under review by the state.

The discrepancy means the project cannot go to bid until the waiver issue is resolved. Councilmembers discussed timing and expressed a consensus preference to have the pool open for the 2026 season if possible, with contractor work to begin at the end of the season if the waiver is granted. Councilmembers also discussed contingency options such as shortening the operating season by a few weeks or closing the baby pool, depending on contractor schedules and final scope.

To prepare regardless of the waiver outcome, Councilmember Hodges moved and Councilmember Tull seconded a motion to advertise for a pool manager through the end of April; the motion passed unanimously. The advertisement is intended to ensure staffing is in place if the project proceeds quickly after state approval.

Next steps: the city will await the state’s decision on the waiver; if the waiver is approved, the project will be put out to bid and contractor scheduling will follow. The council has authorized recruitment for pool management to align staffing with the construction and season schedule.