End of heat relief?

CHENEY - The city's municipal pool will not open this summer due to "catastrophic failures" with maintenance equipment, the city announced on July 1. The closure arrives in the wake of issues attributed to the outdated filtration mechanisms, which has been an ongoing concern for city officials throughout the summer season.

"After opening and operating the pool for two days, Sunday (June 27) morning pool staff arrived to discover the system was not operational," a city press release stated. "Maintenance staff were called in to assess the problem which was initially thought to be a broken pipe. Upon further examination by staff, the problem was worse than originally diagnosed. Pump and mechanical experts were contacted to provide a thorough examination of the damage. While we had hoped to be able to repair the damage to open the pool for another season, it was not meant to be."

Originally unveiled in 1964, the facility has continuously served the Cheney community for the better part of six decades. According to the city, public pools generally withstand 10 to 15 years of use before a major intervention is required and operating pieces need replacement.

"The pool is definitely at the end of its life," said City Administrator Mark Schuller.

Residents expressed a variety of reactions to the announcement on the Parks & Recreation Department Facebook page, ranging from frustration to optimism. "Please let us know how we can help raise money for a new pool," one commenter wrote. "Let's start passing the hat or making pancake breakfast donation buckets in our bars and restaurants. Get the pool overhauled or replaced right quick. We're all with you."

Alternate water-related events are being planned to supplement the community and keep residents refreshed in the sweltering heat. "Sprinkler Days" will be coordinated in numerous parks "to allow children, families and pets to play in the water and cool off." Interested parties are encouraged to check the city calendar for official dates.

In addition, swimming lessons are being moved offsite in conjunction with EWU Aquatics, beginning as soon as July 19, if adequate lifeguards can be hired. Children registered with Cheney will need to contact EWU to be reregister under the new program. Those interested in receiving a refund for swimming lessons are encouraged to call the Parks and Recreation office at 509-498-9250.

Public forums are being planned by city officials to debate the future of Cheney aquatics. Splash pads are a popular, cost efficient option already being discussed as an additional form of recreation to a modern pool.

"Our goal is to collect the data and quickly move to formulate plans and options for the community to consider regarding the future of aquatics and water play areas and how we, along with the community's assistance, can fund these facilities," the city announced in a news release.

Scott Davis can be reached at [email protected].