Clarion Aquatic Center

The Clarion Municipal Pool was built in 1941 as Works Progress Administration (WPA) Project, an initiative of the New Deal toward the end of the Great Depression. The facility olympic-sized swimming pool opened on May 30, 1942. The facility included a 12-foot deep end with two diving boards and a high dive (which was later removed), a 25-yard 5-foot lap swimming area with 6 lanes, a 3-foot area, and a baby pool. In 2006 the facility was completely renovated into the Clarion Aquatic Center. The community raised $384,000 in private donations and utilized Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and local option sales tax to fund the project. A new bathhouse and concessions stand was built on the north side. The east 1/3 of the pool was rebuilt, including a zero-depth entry with interactive water features. Two large slides tower above the southeast side of the pool. The five-foot lap-swimming area and 12-foot areas remain. The 12-foot now has two deep-water drop slides and two new diving boards. The deck area was enlarged and the facility is now includes lighting for evening events. The filtration system was replaced at that time as well. The Clarion Aquatic Center will serve the Clarion community well into the 20th century. In 2017 the 2 large waterslides were refurbished, making them feel like new. Also this year a new heater was installed. The pool offers public and private swimming lessons. The Clarion Swim Team began as a senior life project in about 1998 and continues to this day.