EATONVILLE, Fla. — When the construction workers are done for the day, Ruthri Critton visits the place that holds lifelong memories, memories she created as a child.  

What You Need To Know

  • A local company is helping to restore the Town of Eatonville's community pool 

  • The town’s pool had been closed for several years due to lack of maintenance, disrepair and being out of ADA compliance

  • All Seasons Pools is building a new community pool, free of charge

  • The pool is expected to be completed by the end of May, just in time for summer break

“There’s so much value in a place as small as a pool. The memories you create as a kid, friendship that you build, they hold so much value,” said Critton, an Eatonville resident.

After years of a community pool in Eatonville being closed, one company saw the need and is stepping up to drill and build the pool back together.

A fifth-generation descendent of one of Eatonville founders — which was in 1887 — Critton says the pool wasn’t just used for hot summers, it was also a community staple.  

“I had the opportunity to speak one on one with some of the council members who are also a part of this community and know how important extracurricular and recreational activities are for our children. Not to just keep them out of trouble but to build their skillset,” said Critton.   

The town's pool had been closed for several years due to lack of maintenance, disrepair and being out of Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.

The town's city council recently took initiative to find solutions to get the pool open again.

Donald Garden with All Seasons Pools in Sanford says he saw the town had trouble finding a company to take on the project. His then stepped in and immediately got to work.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. How often in your life do you have the opportunity to help an entire community as a company? You’re not just helping one individual and then at the same time how does that align with actually having the means to do it and the partners in the industry that are willing to get invested with it and bring it to the finish line,” said Garden, All Seasons Pool’s chief operating officer.

Garden says the estimated total of the project is $400,000, free of charge to the town. 

The company started construction in January, since then the pool has been completely demolished, with tile fully installed. Garden says the next step is laying the deck.

“We’re probably looking at a two-week window. After two to three weeks, we’ll have a brand new, modern-looking pool,” said Garden.

For Critton who lives only two blocks down from the pool, a stay-at-home mom who also watches her nephew, says she can’t wait for the day she can make those same memories she did as a kid with her own.

“Whatever floaties they have to get, they’re going to the pool, we’re all going to the pool,” said Critton.

The pool is expected to be completed by the end of May just in time for summer break.