The University of Georgia has announced plans to redevelop the Legion Pool and Legion Field area on its Athens campus, following recommendations from a working group that studied the space for six months. The redevelopment aims to better serve students by transforming the site into an expanded community green space and outdoor amphitheater, while also adding 70 new parking spaces.
Dean of Students Eric Atkinson, who led the working group, explained the decision: “Our in-depth study demonstrated that fewer than 2.5 percent of our students use Legion Pool, which is only open from late May to early August, yet its operation is predominantly supported by the Student Activity Fee. In addition, the pool loses an estimated 24,000 gallons of water a day through leaks and evaporation and loses nearly $90,000 per year, with this operating deficit covered by Student Activity Fee reserves. For all these reasons—usage, sustainability and cost of maintenance and operation—our working group concluded that an alternative use provided the best option for our students.”
Under the plan, Legion Pool, its pool house, and the concert stand will be removed. The redesign will use natural topography to create an outdoor amphitheater and more green space for student gatherings. This project is scheduled for completion in Fall 2026 alongside the opening of West Campus Dining, Learning, and Well-being Center.
Vice President for Student Affairs Michelle Cook commented on the project’s impact: “It is incredibly exciting to see this vital area of campus redeveloped to better support our student body. By creating a beautiful green space and gathering area, as well as an expanded venue for events and concerts, this reimagined site will foster enhanced well-being and connection among our students while providing a unique asset for our more than 850 student organizations.”
The working group based its recommendation on usage data showing declining attendance at Legion Pool—annual visits have dropped over 30 percent since 2019—and found that Legion Field was unused about 92 percent of the time with only 26 scheduled events each year. The group reviewed financial records revealing that over five years Legion Pool had net revenue losses totaling $438,645; in Fiscal Year 2025 alone it lost almost $90,000.
Alternative swimming options are available for UGA summer camps at Gabrielson Natatorium in Ramsey Student Center starting next season. Faculty and staff can continue using Ramsey facilities as before.
Gwynne Darden, associate vice president and university architect said: “Many of our students live off-campus in apartment complexes that feature swimming pools, and Athens-Clarke County also offers several outdoor pools for community use. A compelling factor to those of us charged with stewardship of University resources is the massive amount of water being wasted each day.”
Student leaders involved in the process supported redirecting funds from maintaining Legion Pool toward initiatives like the UGA Food Pantry. John Neely, Student Government Association President stated: “Legion Pool is open during the summer months but closes by the time most students come back to campus. The Student Activity Fee is meant to support the student body, and this redevelopment plan will do exactly that. This beautiful green space will act as the ‘backyard’ of several first-year residence halls, offering a place for students to socialize, study, and relax on campus.”
Rock Rogers—a former SGA president now attending UGA law school—noted: “Most students are not aware of Legion Pool and Legion Field so they don’t take advantage of this part of campus… I am excited to see this redevelopment transform a rarely used area into a place that better serves students.”
A historic resource study indicated potential eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places; thus UGA will follow procedures required by state preservation authorities throughout redevelopment.
Ryan Nesbit, vice president for finance and administration added: “As the working group report noted, our students simply haven’t been using Legion Pool for a number of years… Revitalization of this central area as a communal greenspace and for much-needed parking offers long-term uses that will be heavily utilized by our students.”
The final report from UGA’s Working Group on Legion Pool/Legion Field was submitted August 1.
