The University of Georgia's plan to demolish a historic swimming pool on the campus is drawing opposition.

The Athens Banner-Herald reports that nearly 700 people have signed a petition opposing destruction of Legion Pool.

The state historic preservation office is also questioning the plan, and has asked UGA for more justification of why they need to get rid of the pool.

University officials say it would cost about $490,000 to renovate the pool, in the heart of the campus. They propose to replace it with a $2.6 million pool half as big at the university's Intramural Fields off College Station Road.

Officials say the pool, built by the American Legion in 1935, is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez