The City of Bossier City has made the decision to close the pool at Mike Wood Park following a thorough review of usage, safety considerations, and long-term recreational needs.
While the pool has served the community for many years, attendance has declined significantly in recent seasons, making it difficult to justify continued operation. In addition to low usage, safety remains a primary concern. Operating a public pool requires a fully staffed team of trained lifeguards, and like many communities across the country, the City has faced ongoing challenges in hiring and retaining qualified personnel. There have also been multiple incidents in recent years where staff were required to intervene to assist swimmers, underscoring the inherent risks involved.
Tommy Chandler addressed the decision:
“We understand how much this pool has meant to generations of families in Bossier City, and this was not a decision we made lightly. At the same time, our responsibility is to ensure we’re providing safe, sustainable recreational opportunities for our community. This decision allows us to invest in amenities that will serve more families, more consistently, while maintaining the highest level of safety.”
The City emphasizes that this decision is not a step away from recreation, but a shift toward providing more accessible and broadly used amenities.
Plans are already underway to enhance recreational offerings at Mike Wood Park. The City is currently working toward the addition of a new splash pad, with a goal of opening by next summer. Additional improvements being explored include expanded playground features and amenities for older children, such as a sand volleyball court.
Beyond Mike Wood Park, the City continues to invest in recreational opportunities across the community. Construction on a new splash pad at Meadowview Park is expected to begin next month. The Parks and Recreation Department is also expanding programming this summer, including “Movies in the Park” events scheduled monthly from May through September, as well as youth sports clinics, including one featuring Bossier City native and National Champion Emily Ward.
City leadership remains focused on providing safe, modern, and engaging recreational options that meet the needs of today’s families while responsibly managing public resources.