Michigan Historic Preservation Network

SAVE MOORES PARK POOL

Construction Document Development Fundraising

Fundraising Goal Achieved!

Donate Now to Assist in Developing Construction Documents for the Historic Pool’s Rehabilitation.

Photo courtesy of Historical Society of Greater Lansing
Photo courtesy of Lansing State Journal Archives
J.H. Moores Memorial Natatorium, Lansing, Mich.

Significant rehabilitation is needed to bring the pool into the 21st century, while maintaining its historic charm. 

Read more about Moores Park Pool

Moores Park Pool Preservation Project
J.H. Moores Memorial Natatorium, Lansing, Mich.
Photo courtesy of Lansing State Journal Archives

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the J.H. Moores Memorial Natatorium—known as the Moores Park Pool—is a national treasure. The ellipsoidal fieldstone rock-ring structure, designed by Lansing City Engineer Wesley Bintz in 1922, is tucked into a hillside overlooking the Grand River and the iconic three stacks of Lansing’s Eckert Power Station.

Using the Moores Park Pool as his prototype, Bintz founded Bintz Pool Company in 1923, and went on to build approximately 120 municipal pools across the country. Only 19 Bintz pools exist today, and just eight remain in operation. Learn more about the Bintz Pool legacy here.

Photo courtesy of Friends of Moores Park Pool Archives

For the past ten decades, the pool has provided summer recreation, swim lessons and athletic competitions, social interaction and relaxation to Lansing residents and beyond. However, years of maintenance and budget challenges have resulted in the pool’s decline. Significant rehabilitation is needed to bring the pool into the 21st century, while maintaining its historic charm. As the oldest surviving and longest operating Bintz pool in the nation, it is important to our history of place to preserve this historic gem as an irreplaceable asset and community space for generations to come.

The effort to preserve Moores Park Pool is led by the Friends of Moores Park Pool, a citizen advisory group committed to working with the City of Lansing, local nonprofits, business community and individuals interested in the future of Moores Park Pool through a public fundraising and awareness campaign.

Photo courtesy of Arlene Pritchard McDaniel

WTA Architects has completed the Architectural and Structural Assessment. The report can be viewed HERE. The Fundraising Partners are currently seeking funds to prepare construction documents to guide the rehabilitation of the historic pool.

Preservation Lansing and the Friends of Moores Park Pool have partnered with the Michigan Historic Preservation Network in this fundraising effort.