The Ottawa Journal reported that in 1953, the steady expansion of Smiths Falls had caused the Rotary Pool to become too congested. Another site had to be found. “The pool had become outdated.” Ron Stronski added. After 30 years of service, the pool was retired and filled in with earth. A photograph from the Francis Minnie collection taken in the mid-1950s documents the outline of the pool in the park after it had been filled in.

The Water Commission moved an intake pipe to make a long stretch of water on the canal, near the centre of town, safe for swimming. Five hundred and twenty-five truckloads of rock and sand poured into a cribwork of logs resulted in 400 feet of sandy beach. The new Smiths Falls Municipal Pool opened on Coronation Day, June 2, 1953. The new site was at the foot of George Street in Hydro Park, now known as Murphy Park. The well-equipped facility continues to generate beautiful summertime memories to this day.