Fairview Park’s January 2026 Gemini Pool update outlines construction progress, access changes, and next steps

Project status: competition pool base work largely completed

Fairview Park officials say reconstruction work at the Gemini Recreation Center’s natatorium is moving into later-stage construction, with the city describing the project as “a few months away from completion” as of a Jan. 1, 2026 update.

City updates indicate the majority of base work for the competition pool has been completed, including poured concrete for the pool deck. The next steps described for that space include tile work and additional finishing activities such as installation of stainless-steel gutters.

Construction sequencing outlined by the city suggests a shift in focus after remaining competition-pool base tasks are finished: contractors are expected to close the south curtain wall and then concentrate on completing the leisure pool base work. Officials also reported ongoing gravel backfilling as preparation for pouring the leisure pool deck.

Building envelope work: windows, skylight, and roofs

Beyond the pool basins themselves, the renovation has included building-system and envelope work. The city reported replacement of curtain windows on the fitness floor, with skylight replacement work scheduled to start in mid-November. Roof work was also described as continuing, with additional roof sections to follow.

Earlier city updates tied major mechanical work to long-standing facility issues, including removal of large rooftop HVAC equipment and pool air-handling units in 2025. Subsequent work has included efforts to address building temperature and airflow control through replacement of variable-air-volume controls.

Site access and safety changes during construction

The city has warned patrons to expect temporary access changes tied to staging and roof work. Updates describe some parking reconfiguration to add handicap-accessible spaces, along with a planned period when a cut-through route between the library and the Gemini Center would become impassable. A pedestrian walkway was also added adjacent to the construction fencing between the splash pad and library.

• Construction staging has driven changes to parking and walking routes around the facility.
• Officials said closures and restrictions may shift as schedules are finalized.
• The city has emphasized patron and staff safety as the guiding factor in access decisions.

Financing and program planning: levy-backed rebuild and reopening preparation

Fairview Park voters approved a property-tax levy (Issue 55) on Nov. 7, 2023 to fund the Gemini Center reconstruction, and the city has described borrowing against future levy revenues to finance construction. In March 2025, City Council approved a guaranteed maximum price contract for the rehabilitation project totaling $14,192,124.

As construction advances, city updates also point to operational planning for reopening, including staffing, policies, procedures and programming schedules. During the closure, the city has directed residents seeking pool access to partner arrangements that allow Gemini Center members to use the North Olmsted Recreation Center pool.

Officials have also stated the competition pool will be named for an individual, with details to be announced later.