Fate of Corning's Denison Park Pool in Question
CITY OF CORNING, NY (WENY) -- Locked and chained up since the end of the 2022 swimming season, the Denison Park Pool in Corning sits vacant and empty.
"During the 2022 season, we had a leak and had to continue topping it off with water. In the ‘23 season, when we were doing spring preparations to get the pool ready, we discovered water flowing (out) almost as fast as we could get it (in). From there, [we] contacted our permitting agency, (the Department of Health) [and] they recommended a structural analysis of the pool. The city retained HUNT Engineers and Architects to do a structural analysis [and] that report uncovered 220ish+ feet of linear cracking in the pool's shell and a couple of holes," said the Recreation Director for the City of Corning, Alex Hamilton.
The last time major work was done on the pool was just after the flood of 1972. To help try to fix Denison Park Pool, City of Corning officials applied for the 'NY SWIMS' grant in 2023. It's an initiative to help expand access to safe swimming, address equity gaps with recreational opportunities, and provide resources to communities facing extreme heat. Corning did not receive any funding.
"I believe we asked for roughly $5M in funding and unfortunately, we did not receive that funding... We have not proceeded forward with any grant opportunities but we are still looking," said Hamilton.
He added, "The pool is going to remain closed until we can come up with the funding to potentially do something with it, and/or determine what the future of aquatics in the city of Corning may look like. We are currently working on a comprehensive plan where we are actively taking a look at aquatic opportunities in the City of Corning and what the future may hold. We are waiting for when that plan may roll out as well as continuing to look for funding opportunities as they may become available."
Corning officials are working on a city-wide comprehensive plan to improve on its goals, visions, and strategies. Some of the funding is provided by the New York State Department of State Environmental Protection Fund through a Smart Growth Comprehensive Planning Grant. The other part will come from the city's budget. The money will be used for things called 'Smart Growth Principles'.
Complete Streets
Compact Development where Appropriate
Infill Development
Transit-Oriented Development
Downtown Revitalization
Historic Preservation and Adaptive Re-Use
Environmental Justice
Mix of Housing Options
Green Infrastructure and Stormwater Management
Public Art
Storm Resiliency
Safe, Accessible, and Well-Planned Public Spaces
Green Buildings, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy
RELATED: Feedback Wanted for City of Corning Comprehensive Plan
Click here to view the most recent publication of the comprehensive plan from April 24th, 2025.
The City of Corning Mayor Bill Boland said as for the future of Denison Park Pool, all options are on the table. It's unclear what those exact options are, but confirmed that a splash pad is a possibility. Boland believes it's not worth it to save the pool.
"I think the key is that over the last few years, we’ve invested a lot of money and [are] limping along to get this pool open. It’s way past its anticipated useful life and we need to make a decision about it... I think throwing more money into it shy of any large grant we might receive, is just throwing good money after bad," said Mayor Boland.
Mayor Boland said if the City of Corning were to receive a grant like NY SWIMS, the city's contribution to fix the Denison Park Pool would likely top out at about $1M.
The other pool in the City of Corning is the Stewart Park Pool located off Sly Avenue Extension. Stewart Park Pool opens for the season on July 4th at 1 p.m.
Stewart Park Pool's hours are as follows:
Monday
Open Swim: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Open Swim: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday
Open Swim: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Open Swim: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Wednesday
Open Swim: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Family & Adult Swim: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday
Open Swim: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Open Swim: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Friday
Open Swim 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Open Swim: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday
Open Swim: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday
Open Swim: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Daily Prices for Stewart Park Pool:
Tot Admission (4 years old & under): City Resident Fee: $1.75, Non-Resident Fee: $2.00
Youth Admission (5 to 17 years old): City Resident Fee: $2.25, Non-Resident Fee: $2.50
Adult Admission (18 to 54 years old): City Resident Fee: $2.75, Non-Resident Fee: $3.00
Senior Admission (55+): City Resident Fee: $1.75, Non-Resident Fee: $2.00
Seasonal Stewart Park Pool Passes:
Tot Admission (4 years old & under): City Resident Fee: $35, Non-Resident Fee: $45
Youth Admission (5 to 17 years old): City Resident Fee: $40, Non-Resident Fee: $50
Adult Admission (18 to 54 years old): City Resident Fee: $60, Non-Resident Fee: $70
Senior Admission (55+): City Resident Fee: $35, Non-Resident Fee: $45
Season pool passes can be purchased at the Parks and Recreation Main Office at City Hall. Passes are sold Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.
