Savannah Parks and Recreation to close Aquatic Center

SAVANNAH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- In a Facebook post Wednesday, Savannah Parks and Recreation announced its 2025 season will be the final summer for the Savannah Aquatic Center.

As a cherished part of the community for more than 60 years, the aquatic center’s planned closure has already sparked pushback from community members.

With no chance of keeping the pool open in its current condition, Parks Director Matt Johnson said community input will be crucial in determining next steps as well as speaking with an engineer to conduct a feasibility assessment for a potential new pool.

"My hope is to have it done before the end of this summer," Johnson said. "I don't know how long it's going to take but the sooner we can get them in here, the better I think."

Stopping by to get a season pass for her family on Wednesday, local resident Debbie Storm shared she just signed her son up for the recreational swim team. They will use the facility this year but as he progresses in the sport, the news of the closure leaves some uncertainty about the opportunities he and other kids with have in the future.

"It’s just a community staple so it’s really hard to hear," Storm said. "Just lots of emotions, and really I hope our community comes together so we can fix it up and get a new pool or whatever."

The post cited the high cost of maintaining the aging facility and existing structural issues as the reasons for the decision. However, the post’s author emphasized that community support is needed to explore alternative solutions.

“Should the community want to pursue a new aquatic facility, it will not happen automatically,” the post stated. “It will require individuals to step forward — bringing ideas, organizing fundraisers, coordinating efforts and doing the legwork. There is no committee or agency waiting in the wings to take this on. If it’s going to happen, it will happen because residents like you decide it’s worth the effort and do the work to see it through.”