The University of Georgia’s plans to redevelop Legion Pool and Legion Field have sparked controversy from historic preservationists.
UGA plans to remove Legion Pool as well as its pool house and concert stand to expand the community green space and create an outdoor amphitheater. This project will create 70 additional parking spaces in a busy area of campus.
The redevelopment is scheduled to be completed by next fall. The university says that despite the rise of student enrollment and the need for more community green spaces on campus, Legion Pool and Legion Field have been underutilized.
The university reports that in the last five years, Legion Pool has operated on a net loss of over $438,000. The pool lost almost $90,000 in Fiscal Year 2025. The study also showed that the pool loses 24,000 gallons of water a day through leaks and evaporation. UGA summer camps will still have options to relocate swimming activities to three indoor pools in the Ramsey Student Center.
Local nonprofit Historic Athens, however, objects to the move. In a statement released Thursday, the historic preservation organization said the pool is “an important piece of Athens history” and urged the university to change course. Legion Pool was placed on its 2021 Athens Places in Peril list.
Legion Pool opened in 1936.
UGA release on Legion Pool.
Historic Athens statement on Legion Pool.
