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Leavenworth pool closed after contamination; city tightens diaper rules and PRSA pushes for long‑term solutions
Summary
City staff and the Parks Recreation and Sports Association (PRSA) described a multi‑day closure of the municipal saltwater pool after a fecal/diarrhea incident; the city has adopted mandatory reusable swim diapers for children 4 and under and the PRSA is exploring long‑term options to keep a community pool open.
The Leavenworth municipal pool was closed for three days in July after staff detected contamination from fecal matter or vomit in the saltwater pool and implemented public‑health protocols that require elevated disinfectant levels to protect swimmers.
At the July 22 council meeting, a PRSA representative (identified as PRSA chair during remarks) thanked the council for a $1,800 grant and described strong community interest in preserving the pool. City staff explained the closure and the health rationale: saltwater pools require higher levels of chemical treatment after a contaminant event, and the levels must be held for an extended period until it is safe to reopen.
Short‑term changes: Staff said the pool will keep five‑minute break periods during open swim to encourage restroom use and will require reusable swim diapers for children age 4 and under with no exceptions. The city said some parents had resisted diaper rules during open swim, which contributed to repeated contamination events.
Longer‑term work: PRSA and other community volunteers are researching options to sustain the pool, including exploration of alternate sites and studies the council has previously commissioned. The PRSA chair said the group is planning deeper analysis of options and community outreach; no formal funding decisions were made at the meeting.
Discussion vs. decisions: Council accepted the PRSA’s update and the $1,800 allocation; the pool closures and diaper policy are operational steps taken by staff under existing health protocols rather than new city code.
Ending: Staff and PRSA leaders said they will continue outreach and analysis to find durable solutions for the pool’s future, and staff will continue to enforce the hygiene and safety measures in the short term.
