And the West is History: Durango-La Plata Aquatic Center construction – 1958

In 1958, the city of Durango, La Plata County and nine civic organizations came together to develop a community swimming pool. This photo depicts the construction taking place in May 1958 on land that was formerly owned by F.W. Kroeger, located adjacent to the Fairgrounds. The pool officially opened in August, serving the residents of the county for more than 40 years. However, in December 1999, a Fairgrounds Redevelopment plan was adopted, which included the removal of the pool because of its outdated facilities and high operating costs. – Ed Horvat for Animas Museum, edhorvat@animasmuseum (Catalog Number: 02.41.13.1 from the La Plata County Historical Society Photo Collections)