May 29, 2026 – The City of Staunton officially celebrated the completion of the new Gypsy Hill Park Pool House Friday morning with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and public open house. While the pool house doors opened to swimmers earlier this week, today’s event marked the official civic dedication of a facility designed to serve generations of Staunton residents.
The new single-story facility replaces the original 1958 pool house, which had reached the end of its functional life due to structural issues and deteriorating infrastructure. The modernized building, designed by Wiley|Wilson and constructed by Lantz Construction Company, features zero-barrier ground-level access, individual unisex restrooms for family privacy, a modernized concession stand, and a covered patio area.
Smart Financing: Maximizing Federal Funds and Interest
The total cost for the planning, design, and construction of the new facility came to $2,670,596. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of the project was funded using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and strategic interest earned on Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) reserves.
"Investing in our community infrastructure is vital,” said City Manager Leslie Beauregard. "By leveraging federal pandemic relief funds and maximizing the interest earned on our capital reserves, we were able to pay for the majority of this brand-new facility without placing that burden on local revenue. I am proud of our team for their smart fiscal stewardship."
Project Funding Sources:
- ARPA Federal Funding (9%): $236,127
- Interest Earned on CIP Funds (63%): $1,690,211 (Includes $822,000 in interest earned specifically on federal ARPA allocations)
- Local Funding (28%): $744,258
“This facility respects the dignity, privacy, and accessibility needs of today's families and guests,” said Parks and Recreation Director Chris Tuttle. “Our staff is thrilled to welcome the community into this beautiful, modern space for a long, extended summer season.”
In addition to the new facility, the city is pleased to announce an extended pool season for 2026. While the pool has historically closed in early August, the current budget allows for weekend operations to continue through Labor Day, contingent upon lifeguard staffing.
Contact:
For more information on pool hours, season passes, and swimming programs, please visit www.staunton.va.us/pools or contact the Staunton Parks and Recreation Department at 540.332.3945.
