Lansford Borough may have given up on its swimming pool, but not on providing recreation for residents living in the community, a councilwoman said.

The borough decided it couldn’t afford to restore its swimming pool after being closed for eight years.

Instead, the borough plans to restore its existing baby pool, which is about two feet deep, and install a new, large splash pad or splash park for summer recreation.

The borough is also considering an amphitheater for live music, picnic pavilions for birthday parties and family gatherings, and walking trails connecting amenities in Ashton Park, said Councilwoman Gwyneth Collevechio on Thursday.

The borough is already looking at converting its tennis courts into pickleball courts, and upgrades at a skate park and adjacent ice rink, which are also in Ashton Park.

Many people are unhappy about the decision not to pursue a new pool, which would have cost millions in upgrades at the complex and the borough needed to come up with half the money itself, she said.

“They are upset. We’re all upset,” Collevechio said, adding that no one wanted to see the pool go, but they needed to be realistic about the costs to fix and operate the pool.

Initial repair estimates were placed at $1 million conservatively, and actual costs were expected to come in much higher. Even at the low end, the borough would have had to come up with $500,000 using a matching grant, Collevechio said.

In seven years, the Friends of Lansford Recreation/Pool raised just over $130,000, she said. The funds include large donations to restore the baby pool and park projects, she said.

Collevechio knows how hard members of the nonprofit organization worked to raise those funds, because she worked with them and serves as the group’s treasurer.

Those funds will continue to go toward recreation at the borough’s parks, including the new splash pad, she said.

“We have worked hard, and we will be back,” Collevechio said.

The new water feature at the park comes with savings, such as not having to pay lifeguards, and not using as much water or chemicals as a pool, she said.

The borough may also be able to extend the season beyond 10 weeks, opening the facility during warm spells in May and September, she said.

The other amenities they hope to provide, such as the amphitheater and pavilions, could be used throughout the spring and fall, in addition to the summer months, she said.

The facility, which is fenced in, will likely operate as the pool did with a fee at the gate, she said.

Collevechio hopes to see some of the amenities ready for next year.