Middleburgh Awarded $1.2M to Upgrade Pool

MIDDDLEBURGH - The 58-year-old Middleburgh village pool will be getting a much needed upgrade and renovation thanks to an $1.2 million state grant.

Village officials announced last week that the village has been awarded up to $1.2 million in New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) grant funds to make improvements to the Middleburgh Community Pool. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office also announced those grants last week. The project will total $1.5 million, including a 20 percent local match.

In a joint effort between the village board and the Joint Recreation Commission, a Pool Revitalization Committee was established in 2024 to begin identifying areas for renovation for the pool that has served generations of Middleburgh residents by teaching youngsters to swim and offering a free, safe space for youth during the summertime.

The Pool Revitalization Committee – working in concert with both Delaware Engineering and the Village Department of Public Works – pulled together a $1.5 million improvement plan that would expand the bath house and incorporate a concession stand, improve accessibility in the pool itself and throughout the facilities, upgrade mechanics, replace the pool deck, and build a new pavilion. 

Jean Cain, who has been with the Rec Commission for 36 years, said other additions and upgrades at the pool may include: a handrail, a relining and retiling of the pool, a new guard chair, and dressing rooms.

The pool is structurally fine, officials said. Rec Commission President Mike Wilkens, one of those who spearheaded the effort, will be meeting with architect soon.

Endorsed unanimously by the Board of Trustees, the Village committed to the $300,000 local share for this project if awarded NY SWIMS funds in September 2025. Delaware Engineering wrote the grant application at no charge to the Village of Middleburgh. Improving the Community Pool was identified as the top priority of village residents in a grants survey conducted last spring.

“I want to begin by thanking New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York for awarding these funds to secure the future of this vital public service here in Middleburgh,” said Village Mayor Tim Knight.

He added, “There are too many people to thank – but I want to recognize JRC President Mike Wilkens, JRC Youth Director Jean Cain, Delaware Engineering’s wonderful grant writing staff, DPW Superintendent Cole Keyser, and all members of the Board of Trustees, Joint Recreation Commission, and the Pool Revitalization Committee for coming together in support of this effort.”

Mr. Wilkens added, “I am very thankful to Governor Hochul and the Dormitory Authority for this much needed grant for rehabilitation of our community pool. While it came as a huge surprise to all of us, it also couldn’t have happened at a better time...

“My thanks and appreciation to Mayor Knight, the Village Board, the Joint Recreation Commission and the Pool Revitalization Committee for everyone’s hard work, foresight and dedication to this cause. Now the real work can begin.”