Westlake Recreation Center to Undergo $1.73M Pool Renovation

The 27-year-old indoor pool facility will get upgrades including new lighting, flooring, and HVAC improvements.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The city of Westlake, Ohio has approved a $1.73 million renovation project for the indoor swimming pool at the Westlake Recreation Center. The upgrades will include installing new energy-efficient LED lights, replacing the pool deck flooring, improving the HVAC system, and replacing the original skylights. The recreation center's fitness center will also receive new exercise equipment as part of the project.

Why it matters

The Westlake Recreation Center's indoor pool is a heavily used community facility that has not seen significant improvements since it opened in 1997. The planned upgrades will improve safety, reduce operating costs, and enhance the overall experience for patrons.

The details

The renovation work will include installing new LED lighting to replace the older high-pressure sodium lamps, painting the walls and water slide, replacing damaged drain covers, making HVAC improvements to address condensation issues, installing new starting blocks and a diving board, and applying an epoxy stone coating to the pool deck to improve traction. The original skylights will also be replaced.

  • The Recreation Center Natatorium project is scheduled to begin in June 2026.
  • Construction is expected to be completed within approximately three months.

The players

Johnson-Laux Construction Ohio LLC

The construction company awarded the contract for the Recreation Center Natatorium project.

Jim Smolik

The City Engineering Department Director overseeing the renovation project.

Paula Horner

The Parks and Recreation Department Director who says the upgrades are "definitely necessary" to address safety and maintenance issues.

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What they’re saying

“With the facility being 27 years old, the pool deck has lost its grip. It could be a safety issue. The new flooring will improve that – correct that issue. The pool gets a lot of use, and I think our patrons will be very happy with the upgrades.”

— Paula Horner, Parks and Recreation Department Director (cleveland.com)

What’s next

Westlake is working on an agreement with Fairview Park to allow Westlake Recreation Center members access to their new indoor pool at the Gemini Center, which is scheduled to open soon.

The takeaway

This renovation project demonstrates Westlake's commitment to maintaining and improving its community recreation facilities to ensure they remain safe, efficient, and enjoyable for residents. The upgrades will help extend the lifespan of the 27-year-old indoor pool and better serve the needs of the community.