More than three years after the Thames Park Pool was permanently closed, a transition of the former site is underway. The $4.5 million project begins with a demolition process, closely watched by park users. For several decades, husband and wife Barbara and Doug Pattyson have played tennis at Thames Park. “We’re out here five or six days a week,” Doug told a CTV News camera. Over the past few years, the pair have noted a decline in the number of people around them, as the 2023 closure of Thames Park, followed by bridge reconstruction, impacted facilities. Now fences are up again, limiting access. But this time they’re happy to see the change coming, said Barb, “It’s nice to know that they’re doing something and improving the park, and I think it’s going to be great.” To be added, hopefully by this time next year, are four new pickleball courts, a playground, and a spray pad. Missing, of course, is a pool. The Old South and downtown communities are still mourning their loss as they await a city Parks and Recreation master plan. It may include an alternative. “But still, there’s a loss there for sure,” said Doug. “And you just have to hope that the city picks it up, picks up the slack.” Yousif Albayaty, another park user, agreed, but is holding onto optimism, “I’m kind of conflicted. I personally love swimming, so if it were still here would be great. But, I mean, I’m down for anything when it comes to like, new activities to do. So, if there are more courts then, hey, I’m here, I’m using it, I’m utilizing it!” The Thames Park community garden is untouched by redevelopment. A long-time grower told us he misses the crowds the pool attracted but is confident many will return. “We’ll see the families get out again and enjoy the park, and then the play area will be moved, but hopefully it will be a similar type of facility that everybody gets to enjoy,” he said with hope.
