County commission votes to close county pool for 2026 season while exploring repairs and funding

The County Commission voted to close the county swimming pool for the 2026 season while staff pursues repairs, replacement options and outside funding, the commission announced after extended debate and public comment. The motion to close passed on an electronic roll call, 13 yes, 4 no and 2 abstain.

The recommendation to suspend operation next year came from the Parks and Recreation committee after staff presented final financials for the 2025 season and a safety assessment. "The pool is in such bad repair...it has undermined the soil under it, which has compromised the structural integrity of the pool as a whole," said Director Cliff Salie, the county parks and public-works director, describing years of leakage that he said had "completely hollowed out underneath that pool" and left the area "soft and spongy." Salie said repairs large enough to reopen the facility safely would be costly and would not be feasible to complete in time for the 2026 season.

Committee materials presented to commissioners showed an operating loss of $33,173 for the 2025 season. Commissioners and staff offered competing estimates for the cost of making the facility safe: Director Salie said preliminary estimates provided to the committee earlier in the year put substantive repairs at "anywhere between 250 to $300,000," while Parks and Recreation members estimated that building an entirely new pool could run between $600,000 and $700,000. The commission also noted that roughly $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds remain in county coffers as a potential local match for grants.

Commissioners described practical constraints. "If we replace we don't...we have to move it over. You have to be on undisturbed earth for it to hold that kind of weight," said Commissioner Chris Gregory, reflecting on engineering considerations raised in committee. Carmen noted the immediate safety risk: "My understanding from Cliff is the pool is dangerous. That's why it it does not need to open in its shape." Director Salie added technical detail about equipment and understructure, saying several large filters are original and that the deck and plumbing would need broad replacement if the pool is rebuilt.

Residents urged the commission to delay a final decision and to explore alternatives. "Closing the pool would make it less likely for organizations to come to the county," said public commenter Jim Falco, who asked the commission to send the matter back to the Parks and Recreation committee for further study and a funding plan. Other speakers appealed to the pool's role for youth activity and older-adult exercise classes; several suggested fundraising, adjusted hours or different operational models to reduce operating losses.

Commissioners directed staff to pursue technical assessments and funding options, and the commission voted to close only for the 2026 season while that work proceeds. The motion recorded in the minutes is limited to suspension of the 2026 season; the commission did not authorize demolition or permanent closure.

Implementation questions remain: whether the county will pursue state or federal grant programs, whether ARPA funds will be allocated as a local match, and whether a rebuilt facility would be located on the current footprint or at a new site. Parks and Recreation will continue planning work; the committee meets November 13 and members of the public were invited to participate.

The decision followed a broader discussion of the park's condition and capital priorities; commissioners said the county will prepare a more detailed plan and cost estimate before authorizing work or committing capital funds.