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The pool, like many facilities across Virginia’s state park system, closed in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Park Manager Robert Chapman. The Virginia General Assembly in 2024 appropriated $4 million for pool upgrades and additional work to bring it in compliance with federal Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards.

State Del. Terry Kilgore, R- Gate City and state Sen. Todd Pillion, R-Abingdon joined some members of the county Board of Supervisors, County Administrator Josh Wilson, Commonwealth’s Attorney Kyle Kilgore and staff from the state Department of Recreation for the event at Cove Ridge Community Center.

While a construction schedule remains to be set, Chapman said with funding in place that permits and design details could allow preliminary construction to begin by November.

With construction times still in flux, Chapman said, the project could be complete sometime in the summer of 2026.