The University of Georgia (UGA) has announced it will move forward with a redevelopment plan for Legion Field that includes removing Legion Pool and expanding the green space to better serve students. The decision follows a review process under the Georgia Environmental Policy Act (GEPA), which included public input and an environmental assessment.
The university formally published its notice of decision on December 26 in The Athens Banner Herald, and the project will now proceed to relevant state agencies.
“After carefully reviewing the facility’s long-term sustainability, the costs required to address significant maintenance needs and the feedback we received through the GEPA process, we believe this plan is the best path forward for our students and our campus,” said Michelle Cook, vice president for student affairs. “Our goal is to create a space that is active, welcoming and flexible and one that reflects how students use campus today, while also being a responsible steward of student resources.”
The evaluation began in early 2025 after a recommendation from UGA’s Division of Student Affairs to consider factors such as financial sustainability, environmental impact, and alignment with campus priorities. A working group led by Dean of Students Eric Atkinson included student leaders, staff, and administrators who assessed usage trends, costs, professional assessments, environmental concerns, and student feedback before recommending redevelopment.
Under plans first announced in September, Legion Field will be expanded into an outdoor gathering area that nearly doubles usable space. Design studies include terraced seating for up to 1,100 people with additional standing room for 3,500. The project will add about 70 student parking spaces—approximately 20% of the site footprint—to help meet demand in a dense residential area near key campus facilities. Wi-Fi capability will also be provided.
Independent assessments determined that repairing Legion Pool would not fully resolve structural or operational challenges. Estimated costs ranged from $926,000–$2.175 million for basic repairs (excluding underground leaks), $5.7 million for pool replacement, and $11.4 million for full reconstruction—amounts that would require major capital investment and state funds.
Legion Pool has operated at a financial loss since 1997 except for two seasons in 2000 and 2011; total losses exceed $850,000 since then. From 2013 onward these deficits were covered by Student Activity Fee reserves. Over the past fifteen years UGA invested $774,701 in repairs and maintenance plus more than $409,000 in utility expenses. Despite these investments usage declined further.
Student participation remained low despite outreach efforts starting in 2013—including advertising campaigns and targeted engagement—which failed to significantly increase attendance at Legion Pool compared to other campus recreation programs run by the same staff.
Focus groups indicated many students preferred apartment complex pools or were deterred by policies such as prohibitions on alcohol or mixed-age attendance. Extending operating seasons was found likely to increase both financial deficits and environmental impacts due to high water (averaging over 39,000 gallons per day) and energy use during summer months.
Transferring management of Legion Pool within UGA was ruled out as it would not address ongoing repair needs or limited student usage.
In contrast to declining pool attendance—fewer than 2.5% of students used Legion Pool recently—the Ramsey Student Center’s strength and conditioning areas recorded over 110,000 visits in Spring 2024 alone. To meet demand there UGA plans an expansion adding approximately 10,000 square feet of new fitness space.
Alternative aquatic options remain available locally through Athens-Clarke County’s five public pools—including Bishop Park Pool following a recent renovation—and two splash pads operated seasonally by ACC Leisure Services across various locations in Athens.
UGA community members can continue using indoor pools at Ramsey Student Center; affiliated camps seeking pool access may coordinate with Recreational Sports as needed.
As part of compliance with GEPA requirements UGA released an Environmental Effects Report for public review through December 5 followed by a public hearing on December 8 attended by thirty-four speakers representing both support and opposition. In total UGA received 127 comments: eighty-four opposed; thirty-four in favor; nine categorized as other opinions.
Supporters cited benefits for students and broader campus life while opposition often referenced historical value or sentimental ties to Legion Pool. Letters opposing removal tended to follow similar templates highlighting these themes.
UGA commissioned a historic resource study as required by state law; officials stated they balance preservation with safety responsibilities when facilities no longer serve core university needs or pose financial burdens. Recent projects include renovations recognized statewide such as Russell Hall ($98 million restoration completed in 2020), Black-Diallo-Miller Hall (opened in 2022), upgrades across Hill Community residence halls ($20 million initiative completed summer 2024), and restoration awards for Holmes-Hunter Academic Building earlier this year.
Additional information about the redevelopment project is available at https://esd.uga.edu/legiondecision
