ALGONAC, Mich. (Sept. 9, 2024) — Today, Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) and Algonac Mayor Rocky Gillis joined local leaders to break ground on the construction of the Lions Field Community Pool. This long-awaited project is made possible in part by funds Sen. Hertel secured in the 2025 State Budget.
“Today is an exciting day for the city of Algonac!” said Sen. Hertel. “As the father of two young boys, I know how important a pool can be to families and an entire community. It not only provides residents with a way to stay active, but it serves as a space for creating memories and connecting with neighbors. I’m grateful for Mayor Gillis’ partnership in this endeavor. This project is a shining example of what we can achieve when state and local governments work together to invest in our communities and deliver results to improve the spaces where we live, work, and play.”
In July 2020, Algonac’s pool was closed due to significant water loss and safety concerns. Ever since then, community leaders and residents have been actively working to bring back this important public asset. In 2021, the city hired an architect to design a new pool and began to field bids for construction. After the anticipated cost of the project came in higher-than-expected, Mayor Gillis and other officials reached out to Sen. Hertel to identify solutions to their roadblock. Sen. Hertel was responsive and immediately got to work advocating during negotiations for the project to be included in the final budget.
The $1 million investment Sen. Hertel successfully obtained in the 2025 State Budget, in addition to grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, will help bring this collective community dream into fruition.
“Today has been a long time in the making, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Senator Hertel’s shared vision for the city of Algonac,” said Mayor Gillis. “The funds he secured will help transform and improve the quality of life of our residents, leaving a lasting imprint on generations to come. I can’t wait until we can come back to open this space and invite families to dive in!”
Construction is expected to be finished during the summer of 2025. Once complete, the new pool will serve as a centerpiece for recreation and community engagement in Algonac, providing a safe and enjoyable space for families and residents of all ages to enjoy.
This project also builds on a series of investments Sen. Hertel secured for communities across District 12, including $500,000 for Algonac Community Schools to renovate the old Algonac Elementary School building and turn the space into a recreation center where community members can gather. Read more about the state budget and its impact here.
