CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Circleville is moving closer to having a public pool again after state officials approved $2 million in capital funding for a planned aquatic center at Barthelmas Park.
The funding was included in Senate Bill 450, which passed the Ohio Senate on Tuesday and the Ohio House of Representatives on Wednesday. The bill now awaits Gov. Mike DeWine’s signature.
City and state officials announced the funding Thursday at Barthelmas Park, joined by State Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, Mayor Michelle Blanton, members of Circleville City Council, and city staff.
“For generations, the public pool was an important part of Circleville’s community life and culture,” Blanton said. “Many people in our community have fond summer memories of afternoons spent at the pool with family and friends. We are incredibly grateful for this investment from the State of Ohio, which allows us to move forward with bringing a community pool back to Circleville much sooner than we originally thought possible. The Circleville Aquatic Center will be more than a place to swim. It will be a gathering place where families can connect, children can create lasting memories, and future generations can experience the same sense of community that so many residents remember from their own childhoods.”
The aquatic center would be Circleville’s first public pool since the Ted Lewis Park Pool closed in 2015.
Stewart, who chairs the House Finance Committee, said securing the funding was a priority. “When I became House Finance Chairman, I committed immediately to bringing a public swimming pool back to Circleville and Pickaway County for the first time in decades,” Stewart said. “In my role leading the budget process, I fought hard for our community, and I am very pleased the City is committing to partnering with the state to make this project a reality.”
The broader Barthelmas Park expansion is projected to cost approximately $15 million, with the aquatic facility itself accounting for roughly $7 million. Beyond the $2 million in state capital funding, the city plans to contribute approximately $3.5 million toward construction costs. The remaining funding is expected to come through community partnerships, sponsorships, and fundraising efforts.
City officials said the project will require approximately 18 months of engineering, design, and site preparation before construction begins, after which a clearer construction and opening timeline will be established.
City leaders began exploring options for a new aquatic facility several years ago after acquiring property at Barthelmas Park. Initial concepts placed a future pool behind existing sports fields, but continued planning and community input shaped the project into a larger aquatic center. Over the past year and a half, city officials have met with stakeholders including Circleville City Schools, the YMCA, local organizations, and residents to gather feedback on recreational priorities. Officials said residents consistently expressed a desire for expanded recreational opportunities and the return of a public pool.
Once completed, the Circleville Aquatic Center is expected to provide recreational programming, swimming instruction, youth programs, community events, and partnerships with local organizations.