The next phase of the Lincoln Park pool project in Albany's South End began on Monday.

Holding sledgehammers, project leaders said they are starting the process of removing the 93-year-old pool, which developed significant leaks, losing an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 gallons of water daily, according to the city.

Construction is expected to start in the spring. The new pool is slated to open in the summer of 2025.

The 10,000-square-foot pool is expected to contain 10 swimming lanes, a 6,000-square-foot splash pad, water slide, 10,000-square-foot playground, restrooms and shade pavilions. 

Albany has budgeted at least $15 million to build the pool.

The start of the project was delayed, as the city lost out on a $10 million federal grant.

"So we waited those grants were announced and some pool somewhere in the mid-west is getting funded, but we're not bitter at all about it," Mayor Kathy Sheehan said Monday at the pool. "But if I hit it extra hard on the edge of that rim with my sledgehammer, you'll know why. But look, we're going to build this pool. We're committed to it."

The city continues to seek other funding options, Sheehan said.