CHENEY — The future of Cheney public aquatics was discussed at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 10, regarding the plans for an engineering assessment study to renovate the pool and pool house. According to City Administrator Mark Schuller, to advance with any projects relating to the pool, a contractor will need to determine whether any aspect of the current equipment is salvageable, or if a new facility will require a complete demolition of the systems.
“To get us down that road we need some experts to come in and help us with that process,” Schuller said. “This needs to be a full-scope study of our current pool. Can it be salvaged in any way, shape, or form? Or are we just going to blow it up and start from scratch?”
The original pool closure on July 1 arrived in the wake of an issue attributed to the outdated filtration mechanism, which had been an ongoing concern for city officials throughout the summer season. The pool was open and operating for just two days when staff arrived at the facility on Sunday, June 27, to find the system not operating.
Officials say the problem is indicative of a far deeper issue resulting from the age of the pool, which is well over 50 years old. To repair the filtration system, an unknown length of corroded pipe will also need to be replaced, potentially inviting an expansive project with no definitive end.
With that possibility looming, a new pool is likely the most viable option for the future. The current plan is to identify a contractor with experience in assessing aquatic centers, who possess “a vision” for an encompassing facility to meet community needs. Council members will receive a final cost projection in association with the engineering assessment study.
Councilman Paul Schmidt emphasized the importance of investing in a pool that will possess strong longevity to avoid the quagmire of maintenance problems experienced with the current configuration. Such a site would come at a higher cost for local taxpayers but would also supply a community-specific location for water recreation for the foreseeable future.
“I’m really look forward to a discussion with the community to see what that looks like,” Schmidt said.
In accordance with the prospect of creating a community-minded structure, Schuller forwarded a suggestion to make the pool house a multi-function facility to prove use throughout the year, instead of the traditional three months.
“We want to hear from the community,” he said. “There will be a public outreach to see what their interests are and what they’d like to see as we provide realistic options for a way forward for Cheney when it comes to pools and aquatics.”
Scott Davis can be reached at [email protected].
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