ONE MORE SEASON — Weirton Parks officials announced Thursday plans to have a condensed swimming season at Starvaggi Memorial Pool this summer, ahead of the start of planned renovations. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — It looks as if the current version of Starvaggi Memorial Pool will have one more swim season after all, although it will be shorter than usual.

During discussions at their meeting Thursday, members of the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation acknowledged, while the initial schedule for renovations to the pool has been delayed, they are moving forward with the project.

“We’re going to completely replace the vessel,” explained Parks Executive Director Coty Shingle.

Discussions have been held, Shingle said, among himself, representatives of PMV/SASI Architect and Engineering, James White Construction and Starvaggi Industries, on potential construction schedules and finalizing the scope of costs for the project.

Shingle acknowledged the project is not as far along as had previously been planned, meaning it would not be possible to reach completion before the beginning of the 2025 swim season as previously had been hoped.

Through discussion Thursday, the board has opted to open the pool May 24 — the Saturday before Memorial Day — with a closure for the season set on July 13, allowing for construction to begin in either late summer or early fall.

Members of the board noted their options were to either have the shortened season or not have a season at all, with those participating in Thursday’s meeting saying they would prefer to be able to offer residents something rather than nothing.

“I would hate to not have a pool season,” member William Curenton said.

Even with a shortened season, Shingle said he doesn’t anticipate it resulting in much of a loss, explaining most of the revenue for the pool comes within the first two months.

“In the swimming pool business, you make all of your money before July 4,” Shingle said, adding, as a result of vacations and preparation for the school year, they often see fewer availabilities for lifeguards and other staff in late July and early August.

Board member Anthony Capp added that in construction, concrete typically is poured in the fall months.

Shingle anticipates the construction to take three months.

The Park Board selected a plan for the pool renovations in November, with a design to include a zero-entry area and a maximum depth of approximately 5 feet, as well as two “peninsulas” built into the pool to provide some division between the areas.

The board has estimated a project cost of approximately $1 million.

Starvaggi Memorial Pool originally was opened in 1968.