Council approves Kimball Bay pool renovation bids, discusses scope and life-cycle options

The Yukon City Council approved bid specifications and initial contracts to renovate Kimball Bay pool and voted to resurface the north-side parking lot during its February 2025 meeting.

Parks and Recreation Director Ryan told the council the proposed Kimball Bay renovation is a multi-part project that begins with sandblasting or hydroblasting the existing pool shell and applying an epoxy coating, work similar to the City Splash project. "That's the same project we did at City Splash this previous year," Ryan said, noting the sandblasting/hydroblasting work requires going to bid and will exceed $50,000 alone.

Ryan described additional items included in the overall scope: replacement of exterior vents and the chemical building siding and roof; replacement of metal shade structures with shade canopies; a backup pool motor (estimated $4,000–$5,000); replacement of the water slide (estimated about $30,000); fence repairs (estimated about $25,000); and concrete repairs. He said the total project cost cited in the packet was $235,000.

Council members pressed on the durability of the work and whether the renovation would be a short-term “band aid” or extend useful life. Ryan said some elements would extend the pool’s service life for several summers but that the city should plan a more extensive replacement within two to three years.

Ryan and Public Works Director Arnold Adams discussed timing and the bid approach. Ryan said the staff’s plan is to bid the hydroblasting/sandblasting portion separately so those critical repairs can be completed in April or May and the pool can open for the season. Adams said the parking-lot resurfacing scope includes a mix of full-depth asphalt patching and edge milling; Brewer Construction’s itemized quote includes allowance for base repair that will be confirmed once milling begins. The council approved resurfacing the Kimball Park north-side pool parking lot for $242,639.06 and expected work in April or May.

Council member questions included expected annual attendance (Ryan recalled roughly 10,000 visitors across both pools in a season), whether swim lessons are held at Kimball (Ryan confirmed yes), and whether the kiddie pool repairs were included (not part of the current bid but staff said they will investigate).

Ending: Council approved the bid specifications and directed staff to advertise and return with awarded contracts; staff will aim to complete work in time for the summer swim season.