Introduction
Nestled along the Kanawha River in West Virginia, the Nitro Athletic Complex has long been a cornerstone of recreation for residents and visitors alike. After a transformative $6 million renovation project, this historic site has emerged as a modern hub for sports, leisure, and community connection. This blog post explores the complex’s storied past, the recent upgrades that revitalized its facilities, and its renewed role in fostering active lifestyles in Nitro.
Historical Roots: From 1965 to a New Era
The Nitro Athletic Complex traces its origins to 1965, when its original swimming pool first opened as a gathering place for families and athletes. For decades, the pool served as a summer staple, hosting swim meets, parties, and casual dips under the Appalachian sun. Over time, however, aging infrastructure and evolving recreational demands highlighted the need for modernization. By 2022, the city recognized that preserving this legacy required bold action.
Mayor Dave Casebolt emphasized the pool’s cultural significance during the 2022 groundbreaking ceremony: “The pool has always been a big part of the community… Recreation is very important to not only the citizens of Nitro but also to people looking to invest in the community” . This sentiment underscored the city’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation.
The 2022–2023 Renovation: Building for the Future
In August 2022, Nitro broke ground on a sweeping overhaul of the athletic complex. Funded by a city-approved bond, the project aimed to replace outdated facilities while expanding recreational opportunities. Key components included:
- A State-of-the-Art Pool and Splash Pad: The new pool, completed in May 2023, features modern amenities and safety upgrades. Adjacent to it, a splash pad offers interactive water play for younger visitors .
- Tennis and Pickleball Courts: Constructed by Pray Construction, six new courts opened in June 2023, catering to both casual players and tournament-level athletes .
- Park Enhancements: Upgrades to Nitro City Park and nearby Ridenour Lake complemented the complex, creating a cohesive recreational network .
The project’s timeline was ambitious but precise: the pool debuted just in time for Memorial Day 2023, followed by the courts a month later. Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Lawrence noted the community’s anticipation: “We didn’t have a pool last year… For these facilities to be used the way they are intended is going to be really good for the community” .
Modern Features and Accessibility
Today, the Nitro Athletic Complex operates as a full-service destination:
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Monday–Saturday) and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays .
- Court Availability: Tennis and pickleball courts are accessible from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., accommodating both daytime and evening play .
- Membership Passes: The city uses Access Granted Systems for digital passes, allowing residents to store electronic tickets on smartphone wallets—a nod to streamlined, tech-friendly access .
The inclusion of pickleball—a sport surging in popularity—reflects Nitro’s responsiveness to trends. Meanwhile, the splash pad’s interactive features ensure inclusivity for children of all ages.
Community Impact and Vision
The renovations have reinvigorated Nitro’s recreational landscape. For families, the complex offers affordable summer programming; for athletes, it provides tournament-ready infrastructure. Mayor Casebolt framed the project as an investment in youth: “A kid growing up in Nitro today has many more opportunities than they did when I was growing up here” .
The economic ripple effects are equally significant. Modernized facilities attract regional tournaments, boosting local tourism. Additionally, the complex’s proximity to Ridenour Lake—a site for fishing and kayaking—positions Nitro as a multi-activity destination.
Conclusion: A Model for Small-Town Revitalization
The Nitro Athletic Complex exemplifies how strategic investment in public spaces can honor history while embracing progress. By prioritizing community needs and forward-thinking design, Nitro has created a blueprint for small cities aiming to enhance quality of life. As residents dive into the new pool or rally on the pickleball courts, the complex stands as a testament to the power of collective vision—and a promise of vibrant summers ahead.
Bibliography
- City of Nitro. “Nitro Athletic Complex.” Accessed May 19, 2025. https://cityofnitro.org/attraction/nitro-swimming-pool/.
- City of Nitro. “Athletic Complex Info and Rentals.” Accessed May 19, 2025. https://cityofnitro.org/parks-recreation/athletic-complex-info/.
- WV MetroNews. “Nitro Breaks Ground for New Sports Complex.” August 29, 2022. https://wvmetronews.com/2022/08/29/nitro-breaks-ground-for-new-sports-complex/.
- WSAZ. “City of Nitro Opens Brand New Pool.” May 31, 2023. https://www.wsaz.com/2023/05/31/city-nitro-opens-brand-new-pool/.
As always, thank you for riding with me!
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Visibility: Cloudy / Rain
*GPS Coordinate Data Provided on bottom left corner with date and speed*
Destinations in West Virginia by appearance:
South Charleston
Dunbar
Institute
Cross Lanes
Nitro (11:30)
US60/MacCorkle Avenue & I64 – Spring Hill (South Charleston) (24:00)
Southridge (38:00)
Poca
WV25/Charleston Road (Poca) (1:03:00)
Dairy Road/Scarlet Oaks (Poca) (1:05:30)
WV25/1st Avenue (Nitro) (1:14:00)
Saint Albans (1:25:00)
Jefferson (1:30:00)
Riverwalk Plaza (South Charleston) (1:38:30)
Listen while you ride: My Spotify Playlists
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5FI2WfzKqFIz5dD0BOA1iw?si=4f12084e12b247ec – Mix
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