‘Jewel of Taylor’ aquatic center breaks ground
Promising more amenities and a reputation as an unparalleled recreational site, city officials hailed the rebirth of the Doris Roznovak Aquatic Center during a groundbreaking Wednesday, Jan. 15.
G. Creek Construction will lead the almost $8 million reconstruction project, which is expected to finish by summer 2026, meaning it won’t be open for the upcoming swimming season. “This is going to be the jewel of Taylor, we hope,” said Matt Haralson, copresident and co-owner of the construction company. “We hope it is here forever
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It was time to tear it down and build anew.”
— Dwayne Ariola, Taylor mayor and enjoyed for generations to come.”
Officials said the ground’s movement over time had shifted the pool, causing cracks to surround it and water pressure to build up.
“It was time to tear it down and build anew, and we asked for citizen communications and their inputs,” Mayor Dwayne Ariola said. “Are we getting everything? No. But can we afford everything? No. We’re getting what we can afford, and it’s definitely gonna be a needed improvement.”
Two surveys, conducted in 2023 and 2024, gathered over 250 responses. In each poll, residents ranked which features they would like to see in the revamped facility.
The new pool will be smaller than before but will feature more amenities, such as extra shaded areas, a play pool with a water slide and playscape, a lazy river and a lap pool with four lanes.
“I do think and believe that it’s something that the community will love and appreciate. It’s been a long road to get here,” city Parks Director Tyler Bybee said.
The center’s namesake managed the Taylor pool for 39 years, and longtime Taylor residents, such as Ariola, fondly remember her.
Roznovak was known as “Mother of the Pool,” while her daughter, Stayci, taught neighborhood kids how to swim.
“This pool is named after Ms. Roznovak in 2022 and (is) just a tribute to her dedication for 39 years she managed this pool,” Ariola said.
The center is at 1600 Veterans Drive in Murphy Park.
