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Venetian Pool
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, Florida, June 2016
Location	Coral Gables, Florida, United States
Coordinates	25°44′46″N 80°16′27″W / 25.74611°N 80.27417°W / 25.74611; -80.27417
Area	4 acres (16,000 m)
Built	1924
Architect	Phineas Paist
NRHP reference No.	81000193
Added to NRHP	August 20, 1981

Venetian Pool is a historic U.S. public swimming pool located in Coral Gables, Florida. Completed in 1924, it was designed by Phineas Paist with Denman Fink.

History

Venetian Pool, opened in 1924 as "Venetian Casino," was created from a 4-acre (16,000 m) old coral rock quarry, abandoned in 1921. The pool was founded by George Merrick as part of the development of Coral Gables, which was created in Mediterranean Revival style and utilized a large amount of coral for ornamental features of the community. The remaining quarry was reconfigured by architect Phineas Paist and designed by artist Denman Fink. Named for the Mediterranean city of Venice, Italy, the pool included a Venetian style bridge and classic mooring posts.

Venetian Pool has gone through several phases. A large additional island was created to allow Venetian-style gondolas to dock alongside, though the gondolas were later removed. A high diving platform was constructed above the grand waterfall and was also later torn down. Early in its history, the pool was regularly drained completely to permit the Miami Symphony to perform in it, taking advantage of the quarry's natural acoustic qualities. In 2001, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Coral Gables, the pool was once again drained for an orchestral performance. A 1989 renovation restored many of the pool's original features.

In 1981, Venetian Pool was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and is the only pool listed on the register.

Description

The pool occupies a shallow quarry displacing some 820,000 US gallons (3,100 m) of fresh water daily from artesian wells, making it the largest freshwater pool in the United States.

The pool ranges in depth from four feet to depths of over eight feet near the grand waterfall, with a two-foot kiddy pool near the lifeguard station; the station is atop a bridge leading out to an island with two full size palm trees on it. A grotto, where natural water-filled caves stretch back over twelve feet into the hillside, is located across the pool from the island. There is a sandy sunning area for sunbathers and a café area that is commonly used for weddings and receptions. A walking path surrounds the whole complex.

The pool received a massive historical restoration in 1989. The pool had another major renovation (and was closed to the public) between September 8, 2008 and April 30, 2009.

Sustainability

The pool has come under criticism from environmentalists due to the massive amounts of fresh water it uses daily, raising concerns that the process of completely draining the pool every night and refilling it the following day was depleting the Floridian aquifers. In 1998 a solution was devised to drain the water back into the aquifer, using natural ground filtration, thus recycling the precious natural resource, while allowing the pool to maintain its fresh, clear water.

Hours of Operation

The Venetian Pools operate from Tuesday to Sunday from February 1, 2022, to March 19, 2022. Guests can attend the pool from the hours of 10 a.m to 4:30 p.m during these dates. The Venetian Pool's operation dates and times change frequently. From March 21 to May 29 of 2022, the pools hours of operation are 11 a.m to 4:30 p.m Tuesday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Venetian Pool is open from 10 a.m to 4:30 p.m. From May 30 to August 14 of 2022, the pool is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m to 6:30 p.m and 10 a.m to 4:30 p.m for Saturdays and Sundays. From September 6 to October 23 of 2022 the Venetian Pool will be open from Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m to 5:30 p.m. Lastly, From October 25 to November 27 of 2022, the Venetian Pool is open from 10 a.m to 4:30 p.m Tuesday through Sunday. The Venetian Pool is closed on certain holidays, which include: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Admission

Admission varies, depending on whether or not the guest is a Coral Gables resident. For residents 13 years and older, admissions prices are $6.50. Any children ranging from ages 3 to 13 have an admissions price of $5.50. Non-residential children must pay $16 and adults $21 for admission. At the venue, lawn chairs and life jackets are readily available.

Gallery

• Entrance gate
• Entrance building with greenery
• View of pool through railings
• Mooring post and waterfall
• View of pool through entrance building
• Mooring post, island and pool
• Main buildings with pool and island
• Island with bridge
• Waterfall and pool
• Main building and greenery
• Fountain and hanging ceiling lamp
• Fountain in main building
• Interior gallery of main building
• Trellis gallery
• Door leading to water fountain in main building
• Landscaped path around pool
• Shrubbery, trees and pool
• Waterfall and main building
• General view of buildings and pool

References

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
2. ^ "Venetian Pool History". Venetian Pool. City of Coral Gables. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
3. Steig, Stacey. "A History of Coral Gables". Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 2 October 2014.
4. ^ "Venetian Pool". The Cultural Landscape Foundation. Retrieved 2 October 2014.
5. Franker, Kara. "Venetian Pool in Coral Gables". MiamiandBeaches.com. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
6. "Venetian Pool". City of Coral Gables. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
7. Franker, Kara. "Venetian Pool in Coral Gables". MiamiandBeaches.com. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
8. "Venetian Pool". City of Coral Gables. Retrieved March 17, 2022.

External links

• The Official Coral Gables Venetian Pool Website
• Aerial color image of Venetian Pool

v t e Coral Gables
Miami-Dade County Florida United States
Public education	Coral Gables Preparatory Academy Carver School Coral Gables Senior High School
Private education	Gulliver Schools Riviera Day School St. Theresa School
Post-secondary education	University of Miami
Transportation	University Station Douglas Road Station
Places	Church of the Little Flower Cobb Stadium Coral Gables Branch Library Coral Gables Villages Coral Gables Woman's Club Coral Way Douglas Entrance Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Jerry Herman Ring Theatre Lowe Art Museum Mark Light Field Miami Biltmore Hotel Miracle Mile Tropical Park Race Track Venetian Pool Watsco Center
Diplomatic missions	Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami
Events	AEW Bash at the Beach Coral Gables Open Invitational
In films	Absence of Malice Bad Boys Curdled Dostana Fair Game Goldilocks and the Three Bares The Hours I Eat Your Skin Jimmy, the Boy Wonder The Mean Season Miami Rhapsody Nude on the Moon The Perez Family Posthumous Shock Waves Two Much Wild Things

• Buildings and structures in Coral Gables, Florida
• Swimming venues in Florida
• History of Miami-Dade County, Florida
• National Register of Historic Places in Miami-Dade County, Florida
• Tourist attractions in Miami-Dade County, Florida
• Sports venues on the National Register of Historic Places in Florida
• 1924 establishments in Florida