Since opening in 1960, the original Judge Lewis Pool has provided residents of Mount Ayr, Iowa, with a place to gather during the hot summer months. However, after decades of use, the aging facility faced maintenance issues and reached the end of its useful life in 2022. The Mount Ayr City Council voted not to open the pool for the 2023 season as the planning process for a new outdoor pool was underway. In November 2022, a referendum passed to support construction of a new pool at the existing location, authorizing up to $2 million to cover costs. During this time, community fundraising kicked off to cover the additional projected costs of just over $1 million.
Following design and engineering work, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in May 2024, immediately followed by the demolition of the old pool. Construction continued through early summer the following year, and on Friday, May 30, 2025, the city hosted a grand opening, unveiling the brand-new Judge Lewis Pool to the community. New amenities include four 25-meter lap lanes, diving boards, a full-size open waterslide, a family slide, a basketball hoop, and a zero-depth entry shallow area with in-water splash elements. The pool deck offers ample shade structures, furniture, and an ADA lift.
The outdoor pool is located within Judge Lewis Park, a 20-acre recreational hub the city acquired from Charles J. Lewis for $10,000 in 1962. Today, the park includes the swimming pool, picnic areas, three playgrounds, a tennis and basketball court, three baseball fields, and a walking trail.
Project Team:
- Architect: SVPA Architects
- Construction: Carrothers Construction Company
- Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing: Hoss & Brown Engineers
- Structural: Long Engineering















