Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A place where many summer memories were made over many decades in Rochester has been demolished.
The process of replacing the Silver Lake swimming pool began this week as crews went to work tearing out the concrete that was poured 65 years ago to create the popular public recreation spot in northeast Rochester. The Rochester City Council earlier this year approved plans to replace the aging facility.
The overall $9.6 Million project calls for a utilitarian facility to be used mainly for swimming lessons and swimming laps that would also be available for recreational swimmers or just cooling off on a hot summer day. In addition to the 25 yard long, eight lane swimming pool, the new facility also includes a splash pad and a new bathhouse.
The funding for the project includes contributions from the city's property tax levy and the voter approved city park levy, along with approximately $700,000 in grants. City officials have said they hope the new facility will be ready for swimmers by the summer of 2026.