From the Friends of City Park
The story
we’re saving.
Dear friends of City Park,
The City Park Bathhouse was originally constructed in the 1930s as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal program. Workers from the Works Progress Administration built it, along with many of the other structures throughout City Park: the walls that line the roads, the Pueblo Zoo, the fountain at the park entrance, the golf course and clubhouse, the lakes to irrigate the grounds, and much more.
Much of Pueblo was touched by these programs. Following the stock market collapse of 1929 and the local devastation of the 1921 Pueblo flood, Pueblo became a major recipient of federal aid through the New Deal.
The bathhouse was built to serve four lighted tennis courts, a wading pool, a baseball and softball field, and the surrounding park. It has continued to serve that purpose, with some changes along the way. In the 1970s, a rear addition created more room for tennis operations. The City Park Tennis Complex grew to become one of Colorado’s premier facilities, with 17 full-sized courts and a tradition of hosting tournaments that continues today.
Over the years, the building deteriorated, even as it continued to serve the complex. Conversations about its future grew into a major community effort. In 2025, the bathhouse was recognized as a Local Historic Landmark. That recognition opened opportunities to seek grants and for Friends of City Park to enter into an agreement with the City of Pueblo to manage its restoration.
In June 2026, Friends of City Park and Historic Pueblo Inc. announced a $250,000 State Historical Fund grant, a major milestone for the project. More than $125,000 in private funds had also been raised. The nonprofits intend to apply for a second grant in March 2027 while continuing to raise funds toward the full restoration. Groundbreaking is expected in 2026, with completion anticipated in 2027.
You can help support this next chapter. Donations are welcome in any amount. Friends of City Park is a designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit; donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. In-kind donations of materials and labor are also needed, including framing, tile, roofing, masonry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical work.
We’re excited to launch our brick paver campaign, with custom engraved bricks to be featured in a pathway around the bathhouse. Williams Studio will engrave and epoxy the bricks, supplied by Pueblo’s own Summit Brick. Community has been the driving force behind this project, and this partnership is a reflection of that spirit.
We invite everyone to become part of the City Park Bathhouse story. Thank you so much for your support.
With gratitude,
Friends of City Park
