Cumberland Pool opening delayed; city arranges temporary swimming options and updates splash pad plans

Cleveland Heights — City officials on Tuesday described delays to Cumberland Pool repairs, laid out temporary arrangements for pass holders and provided an update on the Denison Park splash pad and related storage plans.

Mayor Khalil Sarin and Parks & Recreation Director Gonzalez told council the specialized repairs — including work on the pool’s scum gutter — require dry conditions and a contractor schedule that was pushed by wet May weather. Director Gonzalez said the contractor is Novak and Sons and that staff had hoped to complete the work earlier this spring but were delayed. "I will take accountability for it not opening on time," Gonzalez said. (Director Gonzalez)

The city now expects a delayed opening and has worked to secure temporary access for Cleveland Heights pass holders. Officials said efforts to use University Heights’ pool were unsuccessful after University Heights’ council declined. Mayor Sarin said the city secured an agreement with Shaker Heights to allow Cleveland Heights residents to use Shaker’s outdoor pool; Director Gonzalez said the arrangement would start Thursday — Shaker’s pool opens that day — and be available "from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day of the week except for Saturdays." (Director Gonzalez)

City staff are also negotiating with the Cleveland Heights–University Heights school district to temporarily use the high school indoor pool; the mayor said board approval had not yet been received. Vice President Russell and other council members said they hope discussions with the school district can become a longer-term arrangement.

Denison Park splash pad: Director Gonzalez said the splash pad work must await completion of other projects at Denison — demolition of the old pool house, installing synthetic turf and construction of pickleball courts — and that utility lines had to be located before the splash pad could be sited. Gonzalez said the design team may reduce the splash pad footprint slightly to stay within the budget allocated in 2023 and that installation is likely in late summer or early fall with a goal of being turnkey in spring 2026. "It may have to shrink the footprint just a hair," Gonzalez said.

Storage container controversy: Several residents expressed concern about using shipping containers in Denison Park to store equipment. Director Gonzalez told council "nothing has been ordered" and said staff were still evaluating options, including repurposing an existing salvaged garage and locating any new storage adjacent to the turf field for equipment access. "We have to house…equipment. We have some soccer goals, and we're just investigating the topic of a shipping container," Gonzalez said, adding that the city had not decided on a final approach. (Director Gonzalez)

Council members emphasized they want community input before any final decision about structure type or use of ARPA funds. Vice President Russell and others referenced a prior ARPA contingency requiring community meetings before allocating money for containers.

What’s next: Cumberland Pool work was reported to be continuing; the city expects to open in mid-June (Director Gonzalez gave June 16 as the anticipated open date in committee remarks) and will publish details about temporary swim access. Denison Park splash pad will move forward on an adjusted timetable tied to completion of infrastructure work.