Scenic Heights Pool

Scenic Heights Pool and Recreation Center was located at 5740 San Gabriel Drive, and opened in the early 1960s. It was owned and operated by William and June Sheppard, and their children Diana and Russell were also employed there as lifeguards, pool maintenance and concessionaires.

There were actually two pools. The adult pool, which measured approximately 20 feet by 50 feet, had varying depths of 3, 5.5 and 9 feet with a diving board at the deeper end. The smaller, wading pool was less than 2 feet deep and measured approximately 10 feet by 10 feet.

Opening in early May of each year, Scenic Heights Pool was a favorite hangout for the members school-age kids. The management hosted both pre-teen, teen and private parties, also gave beginner, advanced beginner and intermediate lessons, and had an annual swim team. In addition to the Sheppard children, other locals who were employed as lifeguards included Brenda Bell, Kathy Bell, Don Minton and Cheryl Auten.

The early 1970's construction of the nearby and larger Northeast Pensacola YMCA swimming pool located @ Langley Avenue and Hilltop Drive signaled a reduction in business and the loss of popularity of Scenic Heights Pool.

Nevertheless, it stayed open for approximately 15 more years before finally closing in the late 1980s. The building was soon demolished, the pool filled in, and as late as 2013 the lot was still empty except for the asphalt parking lot and a small chain link fence.

There are no known plans for the development of the property.