DUBLIN, Va. – UPDATE 12:50 p.m. Saturday
Pulaski County officials released the following statement via Facebook regarding the fire that left the Randolph Park pool house completely destroyed Friday evening.
Pulaski County Parks and Recreation officials also shared the following information for residents of the area:
- Randolph Park remains open and available to the public.
- The Evelyn Alexander Waterpark Aquatic Building is a complete loss. When you visit Randolph Park, you will find this area to be secured with fencing. Please respect these physical barriers and help us keep everyone safe.
- All Parks and Recreation sports will continue as normal. All games scheduled next week, and moving forward, are a go!
- All scheduled weekend baseball/softball tournaments will continue as normal.
- All scheduled and future shelter reservations will continue as normal. All shelter facilities have been inspected and confirmed to be safe and accessible.
- Walking trails, fields, playgrounds, shelters, public restrooms, the disc golf course etc. remain safe, accessible, and available for use!
- The Evelyn Alexander Waterpark is closed until further notice.
UPDATE
The pool house at the Randolph Park pool, also known as the Evelyn Alexander water park, was completely destroyed in a fire Friday evening, according to County Administrator Jonathan Sweet.
Pulaski County officials said the fire was discovered around 4:30 p.m., and crews were called to respond to the scene.
The fire raged on, destroying the entire pool house building, except for one closet containing plans and other history of the building, officials said.
“Our crews fought this aggressive fire for approximately 2 hours and unfortunately, were unable to salvage any of the building itself. The fire spread too quickly and aggressively,” Shay Dunnigan, Director of Parks and Recreation said. “Our teams and investigators will lead our next steps in determining the origin of the fire and helping to secure the affected area in Randolph Park”
The Pulaski County Board of Supervisors and community members are committed to rebuilding the facility, according to Sweet.
Officials say the pool was supposed to open for Memorial Day weekend, but Dunnigan said they have the goal to bring back public pool access in 2024.
We’re told the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Responding fire departments include the following, Sweet said:
- Pulaski County
- Dublin
- Fairlawn
- Draper
- Snowville
- Newbern
- Town of Pulaski
ORIGINAL STORY
Crews are currently responding to what is being called a devastating fire at the Randolph Park pool, according to Asst. County Administrator Anthony Akers.
According to Akers, the facility is still on fire and crews are actively working to get it extinguished.
10 News has a crew en route, working for you to learn more.
Stay with 10 News as this breaking news story develops