City permanently closes Thompson Park Pool after inspections
The City announced that Thompson Park Pool would close permanently after inspections found deteriorating concrete and reinforcing steel, metal corrosion in the walls and floors that could create an electric shock hazard, and numerous leaks. Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba said the decision was based on public safety. KFDA reported a replacement estimate of $8 million to $10 million and no replacement funding in the 2018-2019 budget.[1][2]
The City said inspections of Thompson Park Pool found widespread deterioration of concrete and reinforcing steel, corrosion of metal in the walls and floors that could create an electric shock hazard, and numerous leaks; it determined the pool was unsafe for future use.[1][2]
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Michael Kashuba, Director of Parks and Recreation: Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba said: "This decision is entirely based on the issue of public safety" and "It is no longer feasible or possible to repair or renovate the pool while also maintaining standards of public safety."[1]
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KFDA reported that leaks caused a loss of about 300,000 gallons of water per month during the swim season.[2]
Gallons per month
300,000
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KFDA reported in December 2018 that replacing the pool was estimated at $8 million to $10 million (an estimate) and that the 2018-2019 budget included no replacement funding.[2]
Estimate low
$8,000,000
Estimate high
$10,000,000
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The City said it had started an asset management plan for the Parks and Recreation Department, recently approved by the council, to guide future budgeting; remaining public pools were the Warford Activity Center (indoor) and the Southeast and Southwest outdoor pools.[1][2]