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Yukon parks staff highlight Kimball Pool overhaul, accessibility additions and parking repairs
Summary
Parks staff described a multi-month renovation at Kimball Pool that included sandblasting and repainting the shell, new fences and shade structures, rebuilt chemical-equipment shelter, added accessible pool entry and parking repairs; staff said the pool has performed well this summer but did not give a firm remaining-service lifespan.
Ryan, parks and recreation staff member, gave the board a progress report on Kimball Pool, summarizing a multi-part renovation completed over the summer that included sandblasting and repainting the pool shell, replacing corroded fencing, adding cantilever shade structures, resurfacing a former wading pool area with turf and "cool decking," and replacing the pool chemical-equipment shelter.
Why it matters: The work is intended to improve safety, accessibility and the look and usability of a long-serving city facility used for summer swim programs and events.
Ryan said the sandblasting, repairs and epoxy repaint of the pool shell "went really well" and that the new blue paint and lane lines tie the facility together with other color updates. He described new cantilever shade structures whose large posts were set 6 or 7 feet into the ground and noted more deck space and shaded seating with new orange picnic tables and lounge chairs. He also said City Splash is closed and Kimball is winding down the aquatic season, indicating the improvements were in place for the majority of the summer.
On accessibility, Ryan said the department installed an aid at one corner of the pool to help people with mobility issues get in and out more safely. When a board member asked whether the ramp could be removed, a staff member replied, "Yes. It can be moved. And things like that? Yep. And it's it's connected to the deck, so we'd have to pull it out of there to move it, but it it can be moved." The staff member described the device as a removable, deck-connected entry option rather than a permanent structural modification.
The project also included filling and turfing a former baby pool area and installing a cooler-surface deck there; new pool lights were shown in a video, which staff said will allow night swims in future seasons. Staff replaced a deteriorated pool-side parking lot surface and upgraded the small building that houses chemical equipment with new siding, paint and a roof.
Board member Joe asked about the expected remaining lifespan of Kimball Pool. Ryan said he did not have a precise estimate and noted the facility was built in about 1963; he added that "we don't foresee anything in the near future being a major issue, unless there's just something catastrophic that happens." He also told the board the pool had "very few issues" this year.
Discussion, direction and next steps: Staff described the work as largely complete for the summer and said they are considering future improvements — for example, possibly resurfacing the full pool deck with the same "cool decking" material used in the baby-pool area. No formal board action or funding decision was taken at the meeting; the report was informational.
Details from the meeting record: Ryan said the department sandblasted paint off the pool shell, made repairs and repainted with epoxy, and that locker-room interiors were also renovated. He noted new shade canopies, picnic furniture, accessible entry equipment, new pool lights, a repaired parking surface and a rebuilt chemical-equipment shelter.
Ending note: Board members praised staff for the improvements and for making the facility ready for community events; staff emphasized they will monitor the pool and report future needs as part of ongoing capital planning.
