The Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District Board of Trustees participated in a groundbreaking ceremony at the new Hoffman Pool site Sept. 10. Pictured, from the left, are: Matt Gallaway, Aaron Garver, Kaileigh Vermillion, Tammy Fowler, Rick Reed (parks superintendent), Wes Dodds (Bellefontaine service-safety director), Keyne Strickland and Pat Ellis (board president). (SHARYN KOPF | THE CHRONICLE)
In a ceremony that honored the past while looking forward to the future, the Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District (BJRD) officially broke ground at the site of the new Hoffman municipal swimming pool on Thursday, Sept. 10.
“Today’s a little bittersweet for me,” Wes Dodds, Bellefontaine service-safety director, told the small crowd. “I wish Kris Myers was standing here with us.”
Dodds added that in celebrating and remembering Kris, they will “look ahead to all the summers, laughter and memories that will be made right here.”
Rick Reed, parks superintendent, expressed his gratitude to the community for their support and specifically spoke of the contributions of Pat Ellis, BJRD board president. Reed pointed out how Ellis has gone above and beyond the duties of a volunteer board member.
Ellis spoke last, reminding attendees the new pool — a $10 million project — was made possible thanks to the passage of an income tax levy in 2024 along with a $200,000 state capital grant.
“This municipal pool will be more than just concrete and water,” Ellis said. “It will be a cornerstone of summertime recreation, fitness and community pride for Bellefontaine.”
According to Reed, the project is currently ahead of schedule. The board anticipates the pool will be open to the public in time for the 2027 summer season.■
