Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan joined Department of Recreation Commissioner Jonathan Jones, community members, and elected officials to announce the final concept for the new Lincoln Park Pool – a community-driven process where approximately 1,600 individuals provided their input and voiced support for “Concept A” by nearly a 3-to-1 margin.
VIDEO: https://fb.watch/fQ9b_yINlN/
PHOTOS: https://businessforgood.egnyte.com/fl/WPFffLq2vS
Mayor Sheehan also named Business for Good Co-Founder Ed Mitzen as the Lincoln Park Pool Capital Campaign Committee Chair. In his first act as Chair, Mr. Mitzen announced a $1 million donation toward the construction of the Lincoln Park Pool and his goal of raising a total of $10 million from the Capital Region’s philanthropy community.
The final plan for the Lincoln Park Pool – also known as “Concept A” – includes:
- Zero-Entry Pool (10,000 sq. ft.) with In-Water Spray Features
- 10-Lane ½ Size Olympic Lap Pool (5,620 sq. ft.)
- Splash Pad (6,000 sq. ft.)
- Water Slide
- Playground (10,000 sq. ft.)
- Restrooms and Shade Pavilions
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “I am beyond grateful to Ed Mitzen for stepping forward and making a $1 million donation toward the construction of a new Lincoln Park Pool, and I am even more grateful that Ed is also donating his time and resources to help raise a total of $10 million for this historic and vitally important recreational facility. During its 91-year history, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people have used the Lincoln Park Pool – whether learning how to swim for the first time or cooling off with their friends and family on a hot summer day – and the Pool’s unique bowl shape and location in Lincoln Park invokes deep memories for those who have visited. Our residents deserve a new facility that can serve our City for another 90 years, and we are one significant step closer to that goal thanks to the generosity and partnership of Ed, Lisa Mitzen, Jahkeen Hoke, and the entire team at Business for Good. Ed and Lisa have donated their time and resources to a variety of causes across the Capital Region, including the Black Chamber of Commerce’s acquisition of the University Club, the ongoing revitalization of Lombardo’s, and the expansion of the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society, and we are so honored they have chosen the Lincoln Park Pool to be the next site of their immeasurable generosity.”
Ed Mitzen, Co-Founder of Business for Good said, “My wife Lisa and I are excited to drive this capital campaign to restore a cherished community destination. We founded BFG with the intention of investing in communities and improving people’s lives. The Lincoln Park Pool will provide families and friends in downtown Albany access to a state-of-the-art recreational spot to gather, get relief from the summer heat, and have fun with activities such as learning how to swim and other aquatic programs.”
Department of Recreation Commissioner Jonathan Jones said, “In concert with Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Business for Good, the engineers of Weston & Sampson, and the residents of the City of Albany, the Department of Recreation is excited to deliver a state-of-the-art aquatic facility to a community that has been designed by the community. 1,200 Albany residents who swim at the historic Lincoln Park Pool seasonally have played an integral part in customizing the footprint of the facility through community engagement exercises. It is with extreme pride and honor that we can offer a complex featuring multiple bodies of water and amenities that are guaranteed to provide greater flexibility and for more versatile programming. This facility is intended to provide a memorable recreational experience to all those who visit.”
Councilmembers Sergio Adams, Sonia Frederick, and Derek Johnson said, “We are very excited that a new Lincoln Park Pool is coming to Albany’s South End. This nearly 100-year-old facility is in desperate need of a revitalization, and we are so thankful to Mayor Sheehan and the City of Albany for making this project a priority, and to Ed Mitzen and Business for Good for committing to raise $10 million for this vital recreational facility.”
Lincoln Park Alliance Chair Lily Mercogliano said, “The Lincoln Park Alliance is grateful for the community feedback and collaborative efforts to advocate for the renovations of Lincoln Park Pool. As a treasure within our community, we are committed to the best renovation outcome for its future use. Thank you to Business for Good for uplifting this project and committing 10 million dollars. It is truly an investment in the future of recreation in the South End as well as the entire City.”
About Business for Good™
With values rooted in equity, access, opportunity, and prosperity, Business for Good has advanced the model of traditional venture philanthropy to Do Good and Give Back to communities in the Greater Capital Region of Albany. Formed in 2020, BFG seeks to give back to move forward and is rooted in the core principle of “for good, not gain.” Its efforts were recognized on a national level as a 2022 recipient of Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards, which recognizes pioneering teams that are playing an important role in the betterment of the world through intentional philanthropy. Comprised of a mission-focused team, Business for Good™ believes no challenge is insurmountable through hard and thoughtful work. With a goal to provide businesses and organizations with sustained support, BFG invests in people for the long term and in every way. Business for Good: building better businesses, stronger communities, and a more equitable world. To learn more, visit www.bfg.org.
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