Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City releases engineering report on Osborne Aquatic Center; outdoor pool reopening and costs remain under review
Summary
An engineering inspection of the Osborne Aquatic Center found corrosion and roof‑structure problems; the city has spent about $250,000 to secure the facility and is evaluating short‑, medium‑ and long‑term repair options while coordinating with the Corvallis School District (the building owner).
Corvallis officials briefed council and the public on an engineering assessment of the Osborne Aquatic Center after the pool facility was closed when staff discovered extensive corrosion to roof framing and connections.
The city reported it has obligated approximately $250,000 to secure the site and obtain preliminary inspections. The engineering report outlines three possible approaches: immediate temporary repairs to stabilize roof elements, a longer‑term repair or replacement of the roof and associated systems, or an extensive ‘building‑within‑a‑building’ reconstruction that would be far more expensive. Staff said further, detailed cost estimates are required before the city can select a course of action.
Ownership and responsibilities - The school district owns the building; the City of Corvallis operates the aquatic facility under a facility‑use relationship. City staff said the Corvallis School District’s insurer has declined to pay for repairs at this time. City leaders said they are coordinating with the district to clarify the owner’s obligations and will return options for council consideration.
Outdoor pool and near‑term options - City staff and the parks and recreation division are exploring whether the outdoor pool can be reopened for limited uses while work proceeds on the indoor facility. The decision depends on whether locker rooms, circulation and egress routes and mechanical systems inside the building can safely be used; staff said reopening the outdoor pool may be done in phases and will require recall of furloughed seasonal staff. If the city proceeds with roof repairs, some stages of repair could again require temporary closure of the outdoor pool.
Public input and next steps - Local swim coaches, civic volunteers and area residents who addressed the council urged the city to prioritize reopening the outdoor pool and to work with local teams to find interim pool time at OSU or other pools at reasonable rates. Speakers warned that long interruptions to recreational and competitive swimming would harm local swim teams, cause economic loss to hotels and restaurants that host swim meets, and remove an important community amenity. - City staff said they are collecting detailed contractor and engineer estimates, assessing whether temporary outdoor operations are feasible, and coordinating with the Corvallis School District on owner responsibilities and insurance coverage. Staff will bring costed options back to council once those estimates are complete.
Where things stand - The engineering report is preliminary and identifies corrosion caused by long‑term condensation on steel elements. Staff said securing the roof to permit inspection was necessary and took time; finding qualified contractors and engineers contributed to the delay in producing a written report. - The city reiterated that the facility must be evaluated holistically: roofing, pool liner, pumps and HVAC systems may all require repair or replacement; a series of immediate, medium and long‑range options will be priced and returned to council for decisions on funding and scope.
Speakers and testimony - Teresa O’Rourke, a long‑time swimmer and community member, urged a rapid reopening of at least the outdoor pool, and suggested temporary above‑ground pools and negotiated rates at OSU as short‑term options. - Jane Hickman and others said the committee report lacked detail about the extent of corrosion and urged faster, clearer public communication.
Fiscal note and next steps - The city has spent roughly $250,000 to secure the facility and commission the engineer’s report. Staff said more precise cost estimates will be available after contractor bids and detailed scopes of work are obtained. Council and staff discussed potential funding paths, including district contributions, council action on city funds, fundraising, and state assistance; staff also noted that reopening the outdoor pool temporarily will require operations and staffing decisions.
The city will provide updates as bids and cost estimates arrive and will bring specific repair options and recommended funding sources to council for decision.
