The City of Gretna says the municipal pool at Peterson Park that served Gretna families for decades has now been removed.
Managers say as the facility aged, the cost to restore it for long-term use became too high.
The city administration says at the same time the older pool was aging, Gretna Crossing Park was developed, with a new indoor pool and outdoor aquatics facility.
Maintaining both pools would have been cost prohibitive.
The city says removing the pool creates an opportunity to extend the park, which has been part of Gretna since 1921.
With the pool removed, Gretna is considering extending the park and possibly closing the road to the east of the pool.
With the larger site, there is the potential to create multiple experiences, one of which would be to honor Gretna’s veterans.
The City of Gretna, the American Legion, and "Confluence," a design team, are working to develop concepts for the space.
The Legion has expressed a desire to continue the Veterans Memorial atmosphere that already exists at the park in addition to a water feature designed for people of all ages and abilities, which community feedback has identified as vital.
The project is still in the design phase, with no set timeline.
As planning moves forward, the city will share updates with the public on design concepts, cost estimates, and schedule.
There will also be opportunities for community input.
The Gretna City Council will have a final say.
(Picture from Getty Images)