SAGINAW, MI — Sherwood Pool, a community staple for over three decades, has received a much-needed financial boost, with $1.9 million in funding secured to restore the facility at Sherwood Elementary School. State Representative Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) announced the funding at a press conference on October 10, marking the end of a two-year effort to revitalize the pool after it closed due to structural issues in 2022.
“This is a project we worked on for two years in the first go-around,” O’Neal said during the announcement. “We were not able to get the funds, but we just kept working.”
The pool, which served as a gathering place for the community for 35 years, was forced to shut down after a malfunctioning dehumidifier led to extensive structural damage. With the new funding, officials plan to replace critical components and ensure the facility is equipped for long-term use.
Saginaw Township Community Schools Superintendent Jamie Kraatz emphasized that planning and design are currently underway. “We’re in the process of making sure the designs are complete. We have to go through the whole construction process, so we’re hoping to get this done somewhere within 12 to 15 months,” Kraatz said.
For Rep. O’Neal, the restoration of the pool is a rewarding achievement, reflecting the significance of community resources. “I don’t have the words to describe how gratifying it is to really make an investment in something so important to so many people,” he said.
The Sherwood Pool’s anticipated reopening will once again provide residents with a valued space for recreation and connection, underscoring a commitment to restoring community assets for future generations.
